SSPE Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of SSPE may include:

Abnormal behavior
Irritability
Intellectual deterioration
Memory loss
Involuntary movements
Seizures
Inability to walk
Speech impairment with poor comprehension
Difficulty swallowing
Blindness
Muteness
Coma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:

Blood tests—to look for the measles antibody
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
CT scan
MRI scan

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.