Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare and progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain. It is caused by a persistent infection of the brain with the measles virus. SSPE usually occurs several years after a person has recovered from a measles infection.
The main characteristic of SSPE is the gradual inflammation and scarring (sclerosis) of the brain tissue, leading to a progressive decline in neurological function. Symptoms of SSPE typically include personality changes, intellectual decline, behavioral problems, movement disorders, and seizures. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience muscle stiffness, vision problems, and eventual loss of motor function.
SSPE primarily affects children and adolescents, especially those who developed measles before the age of two. It is critical to note that SSPE is exceedingly rare, occurring in less than 2 out of 100,000 people who had measles.
Diagnosing SSPE often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and neurological testing. Brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may also be employed.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for SSPE, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Medications can be used to help control seizures and behavioral symptoms. However, the prognosis for individuals with SSPE is generally poor, with most cases resulting in severe disability or death within a few years of symptom onset.
Prevention of SSPE is primarily achieved through widespread measles vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of developing the condition.
