What is Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis?
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is caused by a reaction to the measles virus. It can occur anywhere from 2 to 10 years after the original measles illness, and generally results in progressive neurological deterioration due to brain inflammation. Symptoms include intellectual deterioration, memory loss, and irritability that may be followed by involuntary movements and seizures. Blindness may result. SSPE is primarily a disease of children and young adults. Since the widespread use of the measles vaccine, SSPE has become very rare. Is there any treatment? Currently, treatment for SSPE is limited to anticonvulsants and supportive measures. What is the prognosis? SSPE is almost always a fatal disease. Death usually occurs between 1 and 3 years after onset, although some remissions have been reported. What research is being done? The NINDS supports research on infections and diseases of the brain and nervous system including SSPE. Much of this research is aimed at learning more
