Landau Kleffner Syndrome, Electrical Status Epilepticus in Sleep and Autistic Regression: An Overview of Literature

Language regression in children is a challenging condition for clinicians since the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms are not well established. Landau Kleffner syndrome (LKS), Electrical Status Epilepticus in Sleep (ESES) and Autistic Regression (AR) are three rare clinical entities in which langauage regression is present. LKS and ESES appear to be two points on the spectrum of epileptic syndromes characterized by severe paroxysmal EEG disturbance in sleep and regression. However, the available literature indicates that AR has many distinct features than LKS and ESES. For all of these three conditions, early recognition and treatment is crucial for favorable outcomes. Overnight EEG has an important diagnostic role for LKS and ESES. In this review, the clinical features, prognosis and treatment options of LKS, ESES and AR will be discussed.