Definition

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a condition that affects the brain and spine. It is a gradual break down of nerve cells from constant swelling. SSPE is a rare condition that can occur after getting the measles.

When left untreated, SSPE almost always leads to death. Contact your doctor immediately if you think you or your child may have this condition.

Central Nervous System

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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
• Measle 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
• Loss of intellectual abilities
• 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. A physical exam will be done. Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests—to look for the measles antibody (sign that there was a measle infection)
• 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:

Prevention

The best way to prevent SSPE is to avoid contracting measles. The measles vaccine is generally 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.