Word
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
A rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by persistent measles virus infection in the central nervous system.
Also called: SSPE
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a delayed complication of measles that develops after the acute infection has resolved. It can begin with subtle changes in behaviour or cognition and progress to involuntary movements, impaired coordination and loss of responsiveness. The clinical course varies, but the disease is fatal. Recognising it connects a remote measles infection with a later progressive neurological illness.