Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Definition
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare chronic, progressive encephalitis that mainly affects children and young adults, caused by a persistent infection of immune resistant measles virus.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SSPE is often difficult due to a normal CSF profile ? noted changes in the CSF profile only include a marked elevation in CSF immunoglobulin.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Symptoms and Signs
It is marked by a history of primary measles infection before the age of 2 years, followed by several asymptomatic years (6?15 on average), and then gradual, progressive psychoneurological deterioration, consisting of personality change, seizures, myoclonus, ataxia, photosensitivity, ocular abnormalities, spasticity, and coma.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Treatment
There is no cure for SSPE but if it is caught early then the sufferer can respond to the treatment and prevent symptom recurrence by taking the medication for the rest of their life.