Differential Diagnoses and Treatment of Behavioral Disturbances Associated With Landau—Kleffner Syndrome The Case of T. R

Abstract

This case report detailed the process of differential diagnosis and course of treatment for a 9-year-old male with Landau—Kleffner syndrome (LKS). He presented to a long-term inpatient psychiatric facility with primary complaints of physical aggression, property destruction, non-compliance, poor academic performance, and developmental regression. He had no history of seizures. Subsequent to several diagnoses and admits to the hospital, a neuropsychological evaluation was conducted. Findings revealed primary deficits in language (receptive and expressive). Observations during functional analysis indicated the possibility of seizure activity. EEG (electroencephalograph) confirmed this contention. The diagnosis of LKS was given and behavioral therapy was successfully used to extinguish the maladaptive behaviors associated with LKS. This complex case illustrated the necessity and utility of neuropsychological assessment, especially in cases where alternate diagnoses are feasible and also served as an informative case example of possible behavioral manifestations that can occur with LKS, and how to treat such.