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Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson encephalitis; Measles - SSPE; Rubeola - SSPE
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, disabling, and deadly brain disorder related to measles (rubeola) infection.
Measles
Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.
The disease develops many years after the measles infection.
Causes
Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. But an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain mutant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death. 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 U.S. since the nationwide measles vaccination program. 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. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SSPE occur in four general stages. With each stage, the symptoms are worse than the stage before:
- 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.
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Stage II: There may be
uncontrolled movement problems
including jerking and muscle spasms. Other symptoms that may occur in this stage are loss of vision, dementia, and seizures.
Uncontrolled movement problems
Uncontrollable movements include many types of movements that you cannot control. They can affect the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Stage III: Jerking movements are replaced by writhing (twisting) movements and rigidity. Death may occur from complications.
- Stage IV: Areas of the brain that control 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. 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
(EEG)
Electroencephalogram
An electroencephalogram is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.
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Brain MRI
Brain MRI
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
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Serum
antibody titer
to look for signs of previous measles infection
Antibody titer
Antibody titer is a laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample.
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Spinal tap
Spinal tap
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...
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Treatment
No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain antiviral drugs and drugs that boost the immune system may slow the progression of the disease.
Outlook (Prognosis)
SSPE is always fatal. People with this disease die 1 to 3 years after diagnosis. Some people may survive longer.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if your child has not completed their scheduled vaccines. The measles vaccine is included in the MMR vaccine.
Prevention
Immunization against measles is the only known prevention for SSPE. The measles vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the numbers of affected children.
Measles vaccine
All content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): www. cdc. gov/vaccines/h...
Measles immunization should be done according to the recommended American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control schedule.
References
Gershon AA. Measles virus (rubeola). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 162.
Kaufman DM, Milstein MJ. Involuntary movement disorders. In: Kaufman DM, Milstein MJ, eds. Kaufman's Clinical Neurology for Psychiatrists . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 18.
Mason WH. Measles. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 246.
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Central nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
Central nervous system
illustration
Review Date: 7/4/2016
Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
