Saturday, May 26, 2012

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson´s encephalitis


Treatment

No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain antiviral drugs may slow the progression of the disease.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Persons with this disease frequently die 1 to 2 years after diagnosis, but some may survive for longer periods. The condition is always deadly.


Complications

Prior to death, there may be:

  • Behavior changes
  • Dementia
  • Stupor and coma
  • Seizures and subsequent injuries

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child has not completed their scheduled vaccines. The measles vaccine is included in the MMR vaccine.


Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)