LKS is a rare form of epilepsy with a typical onset of between 2 and 8 years of age, affecting males and females equally. Sudden or gradual loss of the ability to understand language and to speak is a feature of LKS. Often children will experience attention deficit problems and behavioural issues.
Seizures occur in 75% of children living with LKS, and predominately occur during sleep. The most common type of seizure seen in LKS is focal motor seizure which can progress to become a tonic-clonic seizure, although other seizures have also been reported. The cause of LKS is unknown, although a gene called GRIN2A is thought to be involved.
For more information about LKS visit the Epilepsy New Zealand USA