7 Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS) - Symptoms, Causes, and Ayurvedic Treatment

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS) is a rare disease with acquired aphasia. It is a childhood neurological syndrome in which children lose the ability to talk and understand speech. Many children also have seizures, episodes of uncontrolled body movements, and impaired short-term memory. The secondary symptoms of LKS include psychomotor or behavioural disturbances and epilepsy, with a favourable outcome for seizure control. But the exact etiology of Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS) is unknown. It is said to involve genetic factors, specifically GRIN2A mutations. This gene encodes for a protein called GluN2A, which is crucial for speech and language.

Additionally, the subunit of GluN2A, viz., NMDA is responsible for functions related to memory and learning. Both of these mutations lead to Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS). Though there is no direct implication of LKS in Ayurveda, it is said to be caused by vitiation of doshas, specifically vata dosha; accumulation of ama; ojas depletion; dhatu kashaya; and imbalances in mental gunas. Let’s now elaborate on the causes, symptoms, and Ayurvedic treatment for Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS).

Causes of Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS)

The potential factors that contribute to Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS) are:

  1. Genetic factors: The mutations in GluN2A and NMDA are marked to manifest LKS. It causes symptoms like loss of memory, speech disorders, inability to recognize speech, and difficulty in learning.
  1. Neurological factors: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain, particularly in the temporal lobes, is a hallmark of LKS. This activity can be detected on an EEG and is associated with seizures and language impairment. The abnormal EEG patterns, often present during sleep, are thought to interfere with normal brain function and language development.
  1. Autoimmune factors: Some researchers suggest that an autoimmune response might play a role in LKS, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue, leading to inflammation and disruption of normal neural processes.
  1. Environmental factors: Viral infections or other illnesses that affect the brain might be potential triggers, although no specific infections have been definitively linked to the syndrome.
  1. Developmental and structural brain abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the brain have been observed in some individuals with LKS, although these findings are not consistent across all cases.
  1. Epileptic activity: LKS is often associated with epilepsy, and the onset of language regression frequently coincides with the appearance of epileptic seizures. The relationship between epileptic activity and language loss is a key area of investigation.
  1. Age and development: LKS typically occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 7, a critical period for language development. This timing suggests that the disorder might disrupt the maturation of language-related brain regions during a vulnerable developmental window.

Symptoms of Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS)

The symptoms of LKS are noted in the table below.

Symptoms

Explanation

Language regression

Aphasia: The most prominent symptom is a gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand or express language. This can range from difficulty in understanding spoken language (receptive aphasia) to an inability to produce coherent speech (expressive aphasia).

Onset: Language regression typically begins between the ages of 3 and 7 years, after the child has already developed normal language skills.

Seizures

Epileptic Seizures: Many children with LKS experience seizures, which can vary in type and frequency. These are often focal seizures that may affect one side of the body.

EEG Abnormalities: EEG tests often show abnormal electrical activity in the brain, especially during sleep, even if overt seizures are not always present.

Behavioural changes

Irritability and Aggression: Due to frustration from language difficulties and seizures, children may exhibit irritability, temper tantrums, and aggressive behaviour.

Hyperactivity: Increased levels of hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating are common.

Social Withdrawal: Children may become socially withdrawn or show signs of depression due to their communication challenges.

Auditory agnosia

Inability to Recognize Sounds: Some children may experience auditory agnosia, where they can hear sounds but are unable to recognize or differentiate them, contributing to language comprehension difficulties.

Cognitive impairment

Learning Difficulties: While intelligence is often not directly affected, language impairment can lead to difficulties in learning and academic performance.

Sleep disturbances

Sleep Problems: Due to abnormal brain activity during sleep, children with LKS may experience disrupted sleep patterns, contributing to daytime fatigue and irritability.

Motor skills

Lack of coordination: Some children may also exhibit problems with motor skills and coordination, although this is less common.

Ayurvedic treatment for Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS)

The treatment in Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), strengthening the nervous system, and improving cognitive and speaking skills.

1. Balancing doshas:

Since LKS affects the nervous system and cognitive functions, treatments aim to balance Vata (responsible for nervous system functions) and Pitta (related to cognitive processes).

2. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs):

  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Enhances cognitive functions, memory, and speech.
  • Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Promotes mental clarity and cognitive health.
  • Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Calms the mind and supports neurological health.
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces stress and supports brain function.

3. Nervine tonics:

  • Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica): Improves memory and cognitive functions.
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Supports immune and nervous system health.

4. Panchakarma therapy:

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular oil massage with medicated oils like Ksheerabala or Brahmi oil to calm the nervous system and improve overall health.
  • Nasya (Nasal Administration): Administration of medicated oils like Anu taila or Brahmi ghrita to nourish the brain and enhance cognitive functions.
  • Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of medicated oil or decoction on the forehead to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Basti (Medicated Enemas): Helps in balancing Vata and cleansing the colon, which is believed to be connected to overall health.

5. Behavioural and speech therapy:

  • Speech Therapy: Incorporating conventional speech therapy to support language development.
  • Behavioural Therapy: Addressing behavioural issues and providing cognitive-behavioural support.

Ayurveda delivers holistic science in healing LKS. It addresses the root cause of the disease and reverses its manifestation through natural means.

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms and underlying causes of LKS is crucial for early diagnosis and effective intervention. Recognizing the signs of language regression, seizures, and behavioural changes can lead to timely medical and therapeutic support, which is essential for improving the quality of life for children affected by this syndrome. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, offers a complementary pathway to managing LKS. By focusing on balancing the body’s doshas, strengthening the nervous system, and enhancing cognitive and speech functions, Ayurvedic treatments can provide substantial support. 

Remember, every child’s journey with LKS is unique, and personalized treatment plans are essential. By embracing a holistic approach that combines Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical care, we can offer hope and a path toward better health and well-being for children with LKS. With the right support and interventions, these children can continue to grow, learn, and thrive, unlocking their full potential. Stay optimistic, stay informed, and stay committed to holistic healing.