Abstracts

Landau-Kleffner syndrome and Continuous Spike Waves of Slow Sleep have long been recognized as the link between epilepsy and language function. Last year we presented a seven year old with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy who showed significant language improvement when treated with anticonvulsant therapy. To further investigate the possible relationship between Benign Rolandic Epilepsy and language dysfunction we asked the questions: [quot] Should Benign Rolandic Epilepsy be included in the differential diagnosis of the acquired childhood aphasias? Would treatment improve language function even in the absence of seizures?[quot], 15 children with language based learning disabilities were screened with 24 hour video EEGs and formal speech and language evaluations., 5 of the 15 children were diagnosed with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. 3 of these 5 children were reported to have had seizures.
All 5 children were treated with antiepileptic therapy and were reevaluated by the same speech pathologist every six weeks. All speech and language evaluations were videotaped and reviewed.
All 5 children showed significant improvement in speech and language and behavior., Benign Rolandic Epilepsy is not always benign even after seizures have ceased. The treatment of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy can significantly improve language and behavior, i.e. not all children presenting with behavior problems require stimulant medication to control impusivity. We will continue to investigate the possible link between the treatment of Benign Rolandic Epilepsy and language dysfunction. When presented with a language impaired child, Benign Rolandic Epilepsy should be considered in the differential diagnosis.,