Faciobrachial dystonic seizure-like events in a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract

Faciobrachial dystonic seizure is a distinctive phenomenology that is considered pathognomonic of leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) antibody-associated autoimmune limbic encephalitis. However, similar phenomenology has been described with other neurological disorders as well. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old man with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis who presented with multiple episodes of involuntary movements resembling faciobrachial dystonic seizure. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid autoimmune encephalitis panel, including leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 antibody, were negative. Classical periodic stereotypical slow wave discharges on the electroencephalogram and raised measles antibody titre in cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.