Clinical Spectrum and Electroencephalographic Correlation in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Case Series

Dr. Sansmon Thomas, Dr. N Veena, Dr. G Sree Ranga Lakshmi

Abstract: Background: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by persistent, aberrant measles virus infection in the central nervous system. Characterized by cognitive deterioration, behavioral abnormalities, progressive motor deficit, and stereotyped slow myoclonic jerks, its clinical hallmarks are intricately linked to classic electroencephalographic (EEG) periodic slow-wave complexes (Radermecker complexes). Case Presentation: We report a series of four distinct clinical presentations of SSPE Case 1 describes a 20-year-old male with initial focal myoclonic seizures, asymmetric hemiparesis, cognitive decline, subsequent progression to generalized myoclonus, and typical generalized Radermecker complexes post-intrathecal interferon-alpha therapy. Case 2 illustrates an unimmunized 10-year-old boy presenting with classic scholastic failure, prominent axial and proximal appendicular slow myoclonus, gait impairment, and stereotypic high-voltage periodic slow complexes. Case 3 details an 18-year-old female with a confounding history of hydrocephalus requiring surgical decompression, presenting with scholastic decline, periodic slow-wave discharges, and slow myoclonus. Case 4 outlines an atypical, protracted decade-long course in a 20-year-old male misdiagnosed with primary psychiatric illness and movement disorders before presenting with severe cognitive failure, gait cessation, and classic periodic discharges. Discussion & Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the broad phenotypic spectrum of SSPE-spanning classic juvenile presentation, focal onset, neurosurgical confounders, and protracted psychiatric-extrapyramidal masquerades. Electroencephalography remains the pivotal real-time neurophysiological biomarker. Early clinico-electrophysiological suspicion is mandatory to avoid catastrophic diagnostic delays.

Keywords: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, SSPE, Radermecker complexes, Periodic slow-wave complexes, Slow myoclonus, Measles virus, Clinico-electrophysiological correlation, Jabbour staging

How to Cite?: Dr. Sansmon Thomas, Dr. N Veena, Dr. G Sree Ranga Lakshmi, "Clinical Spectrum and Electroencephalographic Correlation in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Case Series", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 703-705, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26826143650, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26826143650

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