Acquired Aphasia With Convulsive Disorder: A Pervasive Developmental Disorder Variant

A 5½-year-old boy with language delay and behavioral problems was evaluated. His symptoms were consistent with pervasive developmental disorder, and electroencephalography showed frequent generalized spike and polyspike activity. After therapeutic levels of anticonvulsant medication were achieved, improvement was noted in communication skills and behavior, as well as on the electroencephalogram. Although the response of language dysfunction to these drugs has been generally disappointing in previously reported cases of communication disorders associated with electroencephalographic abnormalities, a trial of anticonvulsant medication is probably warranted. (J Child Neurol 1990;5:327-328).