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Neuropediatrics
DOI: 10.1055/a-2810-4376
Letter to the Editor

On the Use of the Term "Epileptic Spasms" in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Authors

  • Lucia Fusco 

    1   Neurology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy (Ringgold ID: RIN9342)

  • Nicola Specchio

    2   Neuroscience, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy (Ringgold ID: RIN9342)
    3   KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium (Ringgold ID: RIN74883)
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We comment on a recent report proposing epileptic spasms as the predominant motor manifestation in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Based on detailed video-EEG and polygraphic analysis, we argue that the described motor events differ fundamentally from epileptic spasms and are better interpreted as complex paroxysmal motor phenomena related to periodic EEG complexes. Accurate phenomenological and neurophysiological classification is essential to avoid diagnostic ambiguity in SSPE.



Publication History

Received: 16 January 2026

Accepted: 10 February 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
12 February 2026

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