Rare chronic form of progressive brain inflammation caused by persistent infection with Measles virus.Encyclopedia Entry for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis :Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) - Measles virusEncyclopedia Entry for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis :Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. But an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain mutant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death. This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years. SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is a rare disease. Very few cases are seen in the U.S. since the nationwide measles vaccination program. SSPE tends to occur several years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered from the illness. Males are more often affected than females. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.Symptoms of SSPE occur in four general stages. With each stage, the symptoms are worse than the stage before: Stage I: There may be personality changes, mood swings, or depression. Fever and headache may also be present. This stage may last up to 6 months. Stage II: There may be uncontrolled movement problems including jerking and muscle spasms. Other symptoms that may occur in this stage are loss of vision, dementia, and seizures. Stage III: Jerking movements are replaced by writhing (twisting) movements and rigidity. Death may occur from complications. Stage IV: Areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are damaged. This leads to coma and then death.There may be a history of measles in an unvaccinated child. A physical examination may reveal: Damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sight Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that receives light Muscle twitching Poor performance on motor (movement) coordination tests The following tests may be performed: Electroencephalogram (EEG) Brain MRI Serum antibody titer to look for signs of previous measles infection Spinal tap.No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain antiviral drugs and drugs that boost the immune system may slow the progression of the disease.SSPE is always fatal. People with this disease die 1 to 3 years after diagnosis. Some people may survive longer.Call your health care provider if your child has not completed their scheduled vaccines. The measles vaccine is included in the MMR vaccine.Immunization against measles is the only known prevention for SSPE. The measles vaccine has been highly effective in reducing the numbers of affected children. Measles immunization should be done according to the recommended American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control schedule.SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson encephalitis; Measles - SSPE; Rubeola - SSPE.Gershon AA. Measles virus (rubeola).Encyclopedia Entry for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis :Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Source of disease: Measles virus