Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

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Central nervous system

SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson´s encephalitis

No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain anti-viral drugs can slow the progression of the disease. A combination of oral isoprinosine and interferon-alfa injected directly into the brain appears to be the most effective treatment.

Ribavirin and amantadine are other anti-viral medications that have been used with limited success. Patients responding to treatment need to receive it for the rest of their lives. Effective immunization against measles, to prevent development of this condition, is the only solution presently available.

SSPE is always fatal.

Prior to death, there may be:

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

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: 09/07/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.