Articles » NINDS Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Information Page: NINDS

NINDS Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Conditions: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

---

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 about the cause(s), prevention, and treatment of these disorders.

 Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Encephalitis and Meningitis Information Page
Encephalitis and meningitis information page compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



 » Next page: NINDS Sydenham Chorea Information Page: NINDS

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Tools & Services:

• Bookmark this page
• Symptom Search
• Symptom Checker
• Medical Dictionary
• Give your feedback

Medical Articles:

• Disease & Treatments Search
• Misdiagnosis Center
• Full list of interesting articles

Forums & Message Boards

• Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
• I cannot get a diagnosis. Please help.
• Tell us your medical story.
• Share your misdiagnosis story.
• What is the best treatment for my condition?
• See all the Boards.

Enter your search terms Submit search form
Search The Web Search wrongdiagnosis.com

homepage | back to top

Common Health Mistakes

Choose ... Alzheimers & Dementia Asthma Child ADHD ADHD in Adults Allergy Hypertension Bipolar Breast Cancer Celiac Disease Crohns Disease Colon Cancer Contraception Diabetes Cancer Depression Erectile Disorder Cholesterol COPD GERD Heartburn/Reflux Metabolic Syndrome Migraine/Headache Multiple Sclerosis Obesity Osteoporosis Overactive Bladder Psoriasis Sexual Disorder Sleep Disorders Smoking The Pill Ulcerative Colitis All Common Mistakes

Symptom
Checker

Choose... Fever Rash Pain Headache Fatigue Cough Other symptoms

Search Specialists by State and City

Choose... GENERAL PRACTICE CARDIAC HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH CANCER CARE RADIOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH PATHOLOGY EAR, NOSE, THROAT MEDICINE GENETICS NEUROLOGY DIALYSIS CARE SURGERY ORTHOPEDICS/SPORTS MEDICINE CHILDREN'S HEALTH OTHER SPECIALTIES