Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

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Central nervous system

SSPE; Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis; Dawson´s encephalitis

• Bizarre behavior
• Dementia (loss of cognitive (thought), emotional, and social abilities)
• Coma
• Gradual behavioral changes
• Myoclonic jerking (quick muscle jerking or spasms)
• School problems
• Seizures
• Unsteady gait
• Very tense muscles or muscles that lack tone, with weakness in both legs

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

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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