Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with parkinsonian features in a child: A case report
Gulcin Bozlu1, Meltem Cobanogullari Direk1, Cetin Okuyaz1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Mersin, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey; Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Mersin, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can mimic juvenile parkinsonism. Early recognition of this rare measles complication is crucial for timely intervention in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological disorder.
- Atypical presentations of SSPE can lead to diagnostic delays.
- Parkinsonism is an uncommon initial manifestation of SSPE.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with parkinsonian symptoms including rigidity and bradykinesia.
- Initial diagnosis of Juvenile Parkinson Disease was considered but treatment was ineffective.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed non-specific abnormalities.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of SSPE was confirmed by elevated measles antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid.
- The patient's symptoms did not respond to standard Parkinson's disease medications.
Implications:
- SSPE should be considered in pediatric patients presenting with parkinsonian features.
- Lack of measles vaccination history may increase suspicion for SSPE.
- Prompt diagnosis of SSPE is vital for appropriate management and potential intervention.
Background:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can present with atypical clinical signs which may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present a child with SSPE whose initial manifestation was parkinsonism.
Patient:
This 12-year-old boy presented with the complaint of difficulty in standing up and walking for 2 months. Neurological examination revealed generalized rigidity, bradykinesia, impaired postural reflexes, and a mask-like facies. The initial diagnosis of Juvenile Parkinson Disease was made. He had no improvement with levodopa, trihexyphenidyl, tetrabenazine and clonazepam. The EEG showed irregular background activity with generalized slow waves which were not suppressed with diazepam injection. SSPE was considered and the diagnosis was confirmed with the identification of measles antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid.
Conclusion:
SSPE should be considered in children and adolescents with parkinsonian symptoms, particularly in the absence of a history of vaccination against measles.
More Related Videos
08:33Development of an Alpha-synuclein Based Rat Model for Parkinson's Disease via Stereotactic Injection of a Recombinant Adeno-associated Viral Vector
Published on: February 28, 2016
07:01A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)
Published on: February 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...