Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis presenting as mania

Ashish Aggarwal1, Ashish Khandelwal, Manish Jain

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
|August 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal neurological disease after measles, can rarely present with psychiatric symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering organic causes, like SSPE, in patients with unusual psychiatric presentations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive, and fatal neurological disorder.
  • It is a late complication of measles virus infection, typically affecting children and young adults.
  • While neurological deficits are common initial symptoms, atypical presentations are occasionally reported.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old male presented with initial symptoms of mania.
  • Diagnostic workup revealed the patient was suffering from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
  • This case underscores the diverse clinical manifestations of SSPE.

Findings:

  • The patient's manic symptoms preceded the development of overt neurological signs of SSPE.
  • This presentation challenges the typical understanding of SSPE's initial clinical course.
  • Early diagnosis of SSPE is crucial despite atypical initial symptoms.

Implications:

  • Physicians must consider rare organic neurological conditions like SSPE in the differential diagnosis of new-onset psychiatric symptoms.
  • Prompt investigation can lead to earlier diagnosis and management of SSPE.
  • Recognizing psychiatric presentations of SSPE is vital for improving patient outcomes and understanding disease pathophysiology.
Keywords:
Manic episodeperiodic complexsubacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Related Concept Videos

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...