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DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557196
A study of SSPE: early clinical features
Subject Editor:
Publication History
02 November 2003
16 January 2004
Publication Date:
29 July 2015 (online)
Abstract
Thirty two patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) admitted under the care of Department of Neurology at JJ Hospital and Grant Medical College, Mumbai during the period 1998-2003 were analyzed. All patients were evaluated clinically, with relevant investigations and neuroimaging wherever possible. Particular attention was given to early clinical features. Diagnosis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid study for measles antibody and by electroencephalography. The mean age of our patients was 13.4 years and the vaccinated patients tended to be older. Nine patients had received measles vaccination. Twelve percent of patients were older than the age of 20 years at the onset of symptoms. Approximately 40.6% of patients presented with symptoms of loss of vision, seizures and behavioral change. At this stage myoclonus and cognitive decline were conspicuous by their absence. Eventually typical features like myoclonus and cognitive decline evolved after a mean period of 8 months. Even in the present era, SSPE continues to remain the most important cause of progressive myoclonic epilepsy. With progressive increase in age of presentation, in patients with features like loss of vision, seizures and behavioral changes, SSPE should be carefully considered. (J Pediatr Neurol 2004; 2(2): 73–77).