Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Latest News

Despite being a rare disease globally, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh due to low measles vaccination coverage.

About Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis 

• It is a progressive and usually fatal brain disorder related to measles (rubeola) infection.
• SSPE tends to occur several years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered from the illness. 
• SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is a rare disease.
• Males are more often affected than females. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Cause

• Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. 
• However, an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain variant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death. 
• This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Symptoms

• The first symptoms of SSPE may be poor performance in schoolwork, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. 
• Sudden muscular jerks of the arms, head, or body may occur. 
• Eventually, seizures may occur, together with abnormal uncontrollable muscle movements. Intellect and speech continue to deteriorate.
• Later, the muscles become increasingly rigid, and swallowing may become difficult. 
• The swallowing difficulty sometimes causes people to choke on their saliva, resulting in pneumonia. People may become blind.
• In the final phases, the body temperature may rise, and the blood pressure and pulse become abnormal.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Treatment

• High mortality rates are associated with SSPE, and there is no cure for SSPE.
• Treatment is generally aimed at regulating symptoms. 
• Certain antiviral medicines and medicines that boost the immune system may be tried to slow the progression of the disease.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis FAQs

Q1. What are the first symptoms of SSPE?

Ans. Poor performance in schoolwork, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. 

Q2. Is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis treatable?

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Ans. No cure exists for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Q3. What is measles?

Ans. It is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family.

Source: TOI