Abstract
Purpose/aim of the study
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a degenerative disease of the brain caused by a persistent measles virus infection occurring mostly in childhood or early adolescence. The spectrum of epileptic phenomena associated with SSPE is wide, varying from partial or generalized tonic-clonic seizures and atypical absences to myoclonic-atonic attacks. Tonic seizures are very rare in SSPE.
Materials and methods
Herein, we discuss a case of 25 years old male that presented with adult-onset SSPE with tonic seizures accompanying myoclonic seizures.
Results
Patient was treated with clonazepam 5 mg/day and an isoprinosine regimen with a dose of 70 mg/kg/day. This is the fourth case of SSPE presenting with myoclonic and tonic seizures and the first case of SSPE with myoclonic and tonic seizures reported in an adult-onset case in the English literature.
Conclusions
Adult-onset SSPE with tonic seizures is rare and may be confusing, thus, it is important to recognize the presence of this type of tonic motor seizures in SSPE patients.
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Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest.