[Clinico-electroencephalographic correlates in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis]

The authors studied 30 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in various stages of the disease. The group comprised 28 children with a mean age of 7.8 years and 2 adults ages 22.5 years on the average, who were in remission. Apart from characteristic EEG findings with rhythmic seizure activity typical of this disease, in several cases other patterns were observed connected with the phase of the disease: in phase II with changes resembling hypsarrhythmia, in phase III generalized slowing down of the rhythm without discharges. Gradual disappearance of discharges with progression of the disease was observed. The authors discuss the possible pathological mechanism of EEG changes and their evolution.