Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, disabling, and deadly brain disorder related to measles (rubeola) infection.
The disease develops many years after the measles infection.
"V体育2025版" Causes
Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. However, an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain variant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death V体育ios版. This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years.
SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is a rare disease.
Very few cases are seen in the United States since the nationwide measles vaccination program began. SSPE tends to occur several years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered from the illness. Males are more often affected than females V体育平台登录. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.
"V体育平台登录" Symptoms
Symptoms of SSPE occur in four general stages. With each stage, the symptoms are worse than the stage before: VSports注册入口.
- Stage I: There may be personality changes, mood swings, or depression. Fever and headache may also be present. This stage may last up to 6 months.
- Stage II: There may be V体育ios版 - uncontrolled movement problems including jerking and muscle spasms. Other symptoms that may occur in this stage are loss of vision, dementia, and seizures.
- Stage III: Jerking movements are replaced by writhing (twisting) movements and rigidity. Death may occur from complications.
- Stage IV: Areas of the brain that regulate breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are damaged. This leads to coma and then death.
Exams and Tests
There may be a history of measles in an unvaccinated child V体育官网入口. A physical examination may reveal: .
- Damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sight
- Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that receives light
- Muscle twitching
- Poor performance on motor (movement) coordination tests
The following tests may be performed:
- Electroencephalogram (VSports在线直播) (EEG)
- Brain MRI (VSports最新版本)
- Serum "V体育官网入口" antibody titer to look for signs of previous measles infection
- Spinal tap
Treatment (V体育安卓版)
There is no cure for SSPE. Treatment is generally aimed at regulating symptoms VSports在线直播. Certain antiviral medicines and medicines that boost the immune system may be tried to slow the progression of the disease.
"VSports app下载" Support Groups
The following resources can provide more information on SSPE:
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke -- www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/encephalitis
- National Organization for Rare Disorders -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/subacute-sclerosing-panencephalitis/
VSports app下载 - Outlook (Prognosis)
SSPE is always fatal. People with this disease die 1 to 3 years after diagnosis VSports. Some people may survive longer.
VSports在线直播 - When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if your child has not completed their scheduled vaccines. The measles vaccine is included in the MMR vaccine VSports app下载.
"V体育官网" Prevention
Immunization against measles is the only known prevention for SSPE V体育官网. The measles vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the number of affected children.
Measles immunization should be done according to the recommended American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control schedule. The measles vaccine cannot cause SSPE.
Alternative Names
SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson encephalitis; Measles - SSPE; Rubeola - SSPE
References
Gans HA. Measles. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 293.
Gershon AA. Measles virus (rubeola). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 160.
VSports在线直播 - Review Date 8/19/2024
Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.