B – 17 Auditory-Verbal Regression in Landau-Kleffner Syndrome: A Review of Neuropsychological Patterns and Clinical Implications

Abstract Objective This review examines auditory-verbal regression in Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), a rare childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathy characterized by acquired aphasia and abnormal electroencephalographic activity (Nickels & Wirrell, 2017). It focuses on delineating the neuropsychological patterns associated with LKS, particularly deficits in auditory-verbal comprehension, expressive language decline, and preservation of nonverbal cognition. Clinical implications for diagnosis and intervention in pediatric populations are also considered. Method A literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Search terms included “Landau-Kleffner Syndrome,” “auditory-verbal regression,” “neuropsychological profile,” and “epileptic aphasia.” Studies with original data or systematic reviews on cognitive, behavioral, or neuroimaging findings in children with LKS were included. Forty-seven articles met criteria, with data extraction focusing on language, executive skills, attention, and social-emotional regulation. Results Findings reveal a consistent pattern of auditory-verbal dysfunction, including verbal agnosia and expressive language deficits, often preceding seizure onset (Ahmed et al., 2020). Nonverbal cognitive abilities may be preserved, though attentional control and working memory are frequently impaired (Riccio et al., 2017). Behavioral symptoms such as social withdrawal or hyperactivity overlap with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, complicating diagnosis (Ragsdale et al., 2015). Neuroimaging and electroencephalography indicate that epileptiform activity in the perisylvian cortex disrupts language processing (Caraballo et al., 2014). Conclusion Landau-Kleffner Syndrome presents a distinct neuropsychological profile requiring early, multidisciplinary assessment. Accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding pharmacologic and rehabilitative interventions. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to track neurodevelopmental outcomes and refine treatment strategies (van der Meulen et al., 2021).