On the Use of the Term “Epileptic Spasms” in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Abstract
We comment on a recent report proposing epileptic spasms as the predominant motor manifestation in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Based on detailed video-EEG and polygraphic analysis, we argue that the described motor events differ fundamentally from epileptic spasms and are better interpreted as complex paroxysmal motor phenomena related to periodic EEG complexes. Accurate phenomenological and neurophysiological classification is essential to avoid diagnostic ambiguity in SSPE.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Virology and Viral Diseases
Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Neuropediatrics
- Publisher
- Georg Thieme Verlag KG
- Volume
- 57
- Issue
- 03
- Pages
- 238–239
- Publication date
- 12 February 2026
- Language
- EN