(SSPE; Dawson Disease)
Definition
Definition
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a condition that affects the brain and spine. It is a gradual break down of nerve cells from constant swelling.
When left untreated, SSPE almost always leads to death.
Central Nervous SystemCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
SSPE is caused either by an altered form of the measles virus or an abnormal immune response to measles. It occurs anywhere from 2-10 years after contracting measles.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
SSPE is more common in male, and in those aged 5-15 years old. Other factors that may increase your chance of SSPE include:
- Measles infection in infancy
- Not being vaccinated against measles
-
Ethnicity:
- Arabs and Sephardic Jews have an incidence that is 6 times higher than Ashkenazi Jews.
- Caucasians have a 4-fold higher incidence than African Americans in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of SSPE may include:
- Abnormal behavior
- Irritability
- Loss of intellectual abilities
- Memory loss
- Involuntary movements
- Seizures
- Inability to walk
- Speech impairment with poor understanding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blindness
- Muteness
- Loss of consciousness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include blood tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Imaging tests to evaluate bodily structures may include:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan. Treatment options include:
Supportive Therapy
With advanced disease, tube feedings and nursing care may be necessary.
Medications
Anticonvulsant medications can reduce some symptoms of SSPE. In addition, there is some evidence that certain medications may help stabilize the disease and/or delay its progression.
Prevention
Prevention
The best way to prevent SSPE is to get immunized to avoid contracting measles. The measles vaccine is generally given at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 or 11-12 years. If you have not been vaccinated, avoid contact with people who are infected with measles until all of their symptoms are gone.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
Complications of measles. Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/complications.html
Updated October 23, 2012. Accessed May 20, 2013.
Measles. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 4, 2013. Accessed May 20, 2013.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/subacute_panencephalitis/subacute_panencephalitis.htm
Updated February 16, 2011. Accessed May 20, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/6/2014