Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Presenting Like Parkinsonism: A Rare Case

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive andmotor functions, seizures, and eventually death. The incidence of SSPE declined by at least 90 percent in countries that have practiced widespread immunization with measles vaccine. We present a case of a 14-year-old male who presented with an episode of seizure following which he developed hand tremors and slowness of movement, expressionless face, reduced tone of speech. He had a history of missed measles vaccination at the age of 9 months. On further evaluation there was a significant raised titre of antimeasles IgG antibodies in CSF with coinciding radiological and electroencephalogram supporting the diagnosis of SSPE. He was given trial with intrathecal interferon alpha and Isoprenosine . Unfortunately, there is no cure. Patients with SSPE usually die within 3 months to 3 years of diagnosis.