]]>

Definition

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a central nervous system (brain and spine) condition. It occurs rarely, a few years after getting the measles]]> . It usually results in progressive deterioration from inflammation of the brain and nerve cell death. When left untreated, SSPE almost always leads to death. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think your or your child may have this condition.

Central Nervous System

si1210_97870_1_central_nervous
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

]]>

Causes

SSPE is caused by an altered form of the measles virus. It occurs anywhere from 2-10 years after contracting measles.

Risk Factors

The following factors are thought to increase the risk of SSPE:

  • Age: 5-15 years old
  • Gender: male
  • Infection in infancy
  • Not being vaccinated against measles
  • Ethnicity:
    • Arabs and Sephardic Jews have an incidence that is six times higher than Ashkenazi Jews.
    • Caucasians have a four-fold higher incidence than African Americans in the United States.

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]]>

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan. Treatment options include:

Supportive Therapy

With advanced disease, tube feedings and nursing care may be necessary.

Medications

Anticonvulsant medications can reduce some symptoms of SSPE. In addition, there is some evidence that certain medications (eg, inosine pranobex, interferon alpha, interferon beta, ribavirin) may help stabilize the disease and/or delay its progression.

Prevention

The best way to prevent SSPE is to avoid contracting measles, for example, by getting the measles vaccine (usually given at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 or 11-12 years). If you have not been vaccinated, avoid contact with people who are infected with measles until all of their symptoms are gone.