Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
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Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson disease, is a rare form of progressive brain inflammation caused by a persistent infection with the measles virus. The condition primarily affects children, teens, and young adults. It has been estimated that about 2 in 10,000 people who get measles will eventually develop SSPE.[1] However, a 2016 study estimated that the rate for unvaccinated infants under 15 months was as high as 1 in 609.[2][3] No cure for SSPE exists, and the condition is almost always fatal. SSPE should not be confused with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which can also be caused by the measles virus, but has a very different timing and course.[4]
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis | |
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Other names | Dawson disease |
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. | |
Specialty | Neurology, Infectious Disease |
Symptoms | Behavior changes, seizures, spasticity, poor coordination, coma |
Usual onset | 6-15 years after infection with measles |
Causes | Measles virus |
Risk factors | Measles infection |
Diagnostic method | EEG, Serologic testing, brain biopsy |
Prevention | Measles vaccine |
Treatment | Supportive treatment |
Medication | Intrathecal interferon alpha, intravenous ribavirin, isoprinosine |
Prognosis | Usually fatal |
Frequency | 2 in 10,000 for all age groups;[1] As high as 1 in 609 for unvaccinated infants under 15 months[2] |
SSPE is caused by the wild-type virus, not by vaccine strains.[5][6]