Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a potentially fatal progressive complication
of measles virus infection of the brain occurring in children and adolescents. It
typically presents with a progressive decline in cognitive abilities along with periodic
myoclonic jerks. We report a case of SSPE with atypical presentation. Our patient
presented with intermittent drop attacks without any obvious myoclonic jerks or cognitive
decline making his diagnosis difficult. Atypical manifestations of SSPE occur in 10%
of patients, and a high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and management
of this dreaded disease.
Keywords
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis - measles virus - drop attacks - cognitive abilities
- myoclonic jerks - periodic burst
