What are the clinical features of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?
Signs & Symptoms Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a progressive disease which results in personality changes, outbursts of temper, sleeplessness, disorientation, stupor, spasticity, loss of previously acquired intellectual skills, poor memory and judgment (dementia), and general neurological deterioration.
Is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis rare?
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is rare in the United States and Western Europe because of widespread measles vaccination. However, analyses of more recent measles outbreaks suggest that the incidence of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may be higher than previously thought.
What is the pathogenesis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive fatal demyelinating disease caused by infection with high levels of neuronal measles virus (MV) in the CNS. Thus, MV infection provides one of the main paradigms of persistent viral infection that causes encephalitis.
Which disease is associated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis as a possible sequelae?
The condition primarily affects children, teens, and young adults. It has been estimated that about 2 in 10,000 people who get measles will eventually develop SSPE….
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis | |
---|---|
Risk factors | Measles infection |
Diagnostic method | EEG, Serologic testing, brain biopsy |
Prevention | Measles vaccine |
How is SSPE diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based upon characteristic clinical manifestations, the presence of characteristic periodic EEG discharges, and demonstration of raised antibody titre against measles in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment for SSPE is still undetermined.
Where is SSPE most common?
The incidence of SSPE is still high in developing countries such as India and Eastern Europe. There is a higher incidence among males than females (male/female: 3/1).
Is SSPE always fatal?
SSPE is always fatal. People with this disease die 1 to 3 years after diagnosis. Some people may survive longer.
What is subacute sclerosing?
Definition. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurological disorder of children and young adults that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is a slow, but persistent, viral infection caused by defective measles virus.
What are the risk factors for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?
A statistically significant positive correlation was found between risk of SSPE and early measles infection, large family, overcrowding in the home, older age of the mother, higher birth order, fewer years of schooling of the parents, fewer cultural activities, and rural place of birth.
What is the meaning of Panencephalitis?
inflammation of the brain
Medical Definition of panencephalitis : inflammation of the brain affecting both white and gray matter — see subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.