Catatonia in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Rare and Overlooked Presentation

Abstract Background: Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by measles virus. The clinical course is usually characterized by progressive cognitive decline and behavior changes followed by focal or generalized seizures, myoclonus, ataxia, and visual disturbance and rarely presents with psychiatric symptoms. Case Report: We present a rare case of a female patient with SSPE with depressive and catatonic symptoms in the early course of illness associated with classical symptoms of myoclonic jerks with a partial response to lorazepam and escitalopram. After having electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid studies, we made a provisional diagnosis of SSPE. The patient received anticonvulsants and benzodiazepine, showing improved myoclonic jerks and catatonic symptoms. Conclusion: Clinicians might miss the underlying cause of catatonia-like presentation. Therefore, we suggest that SSPE should be kept in mind as one of the organic causes of catatonia while diagnosing a case.