SSPE develops when the measles virus, which is still present but is in an inactive (or latent) form, is reactivated. The appearance of symptoms typically leads to a disease that last from one to three years.
It is most common among people who had measles infection prior to the age of two years.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a long-lasting (chronic) infection of the central nervous system that causes inflammation of the brain. The infection is caused by an altered form of the measles virus.
As SSPE is almost always fatal, emphasis is placed upon maintaining comfort, rather than rehabilitation.
Blindness may develop, and the temperature may spike (rise rapidly) and fall unpredictably as the brain structures responsible for temperature regulation are affected. Death is inevitable.
The disease progresses so that the individual becomes increasingly dependent, ultimately becoming bedridden and unaware of his or her surroundings.
Initial symptoms include a change in behavior, irritability, memory loss, and difficulty in forming thoughts and solving problems.
Called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, this is a slowly progressing, smoldering swelling and destruction of the entire brain.
Experts believe this condition is a form of measles encephalitis (swelling of the brain), caused by an improper response by the immune system to the measles virus.
The disease is caused by the reactivated form of a mutated measles virus. The inactive form of the virus can be present in the body for up to 10 years following the initial bout of measles before the symptoms of SSPE develop.
Symptoms include changes in personality, decreased intelligence with accompanying school problems, decreased coordination, involuntary jerks and movements of the body.
Children and young adults are primarily affected with SSPE. Males are also more affected than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. Those in rural areas are much more susceptible.
Short-term effects of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash, which can lead to complications like diarrhea and otitis media. In the long term, measles can cause more serious complications such as encephalitis, which can lead to permanent neurological damage or death, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal degenerative disease that can develop years after infection. Additionally, measles can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections for months to years. Vaccination is key to preventing these effects.