Search

Introduction Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive encephalitis, that rarely affects adults. The brain damage occurs in about 5 years after the patient is infected by measles virus. The survival rate is low. Spontaneous alpha activity is a sign of healthy brain. Here we aimed to present electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum analysis of an adult-onset SSPE. Case report The patient was a 23 year-old girl with the complaint of vision loss and forgetfulness. In her neurological examination, the place and time orientation were impaired. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse parenchymal gliosis in the bilateral parietooccipital region. The measles Ig G level was found to be high and oligoclonal band was positive in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was diagnosed with SSPE. Isoprinosine, rivastigmine and cognitive rehabilitation were started. The patient was followed up for 2 years and a total of 6 EEG recordings were done. Alpha activity (8–13 Hz) was analysed via the power spectrum (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis. No significant alpha peak was observed in the parietooccipital region in the background activity in the first 4 quantitative (q) EEGs. The analysis of the last 2 qEEGs after cognitive rehabilitation demonstrated a significant increase in the background activity of the parietooccipital region and in 7–8 Hz slow alpha peak. Conclusion This is the first SSPE case that demonstrated the improvement in QEEG analysis parallel to the clinical improvement in long term follow-up. We think that QEEG can be used as a tool to monitor the course of the disease.