Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Pediatric Hospital J.P
Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Note: [] Correspondence: Valeria Muro, M.D., Department of Neurology,
Pediatric Hospital J.P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, Buenos Aires. CP
1245, Argentina. Tel.: +54 11 49510478/+54 11 1540541036; Fax: +54 11 49436116;
E-mail: valeriamuro@yahoo.com.ar
Abstract: Myoclonus has been described as the most frequent type of seizures
associated with progressive subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). We
report two patients who developed SSPE. All patients had a history of measles.
The children presented with repetitive episodes of head and trunk drops with
frequent falls. Polygraphic electroencephalography (EEG) recording showed
electroclinical features compatible with epileptic spasms. The periodic
complexes remained unchanged during sleep without concomitant epileptic spasms.
The epileptic spasms had a relatively good response to vigabatrin. EEG,
cerebrospinal fluid studies, and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging confirmed
the diagnosis. Epileptic spasms are probably more frequently associated with
SSPE than the literature mentions. Polygraphic-EEG recording is crucial to
define the electroclinical features in these patients. The recognition of the
types of seizures in SSPE does not only allow for adequate treatment, but also
defines the clinical features of this severe and progressive
encephalopathy.
