INFORMATION ON SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis also known as Dawson disease is a chronic persistent infection of the central nervous system caused by an altered form of the measles virus. It affects primarily children and young adults. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur anywhere from 2 to 10 years after the original measles illness.

SYNONYMS OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis.
2. Bosin's disease.
3. Dawson's encephalitis.
4. Van Bogaert encephalitis.

CAUSES OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

The main causes of Sclerosing Panencephalitis are:-

1. Genetic disorder.
2. Measles.

SYMPTOMS OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

Symptoms of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis:

1. Irritability.
2. Intellectual deterioration.
3. Memory loss.
4. Mental deterioration.
5. Inability to walk.
6. Speech impairment.
7. Poor comprehension.
8. Difficulty swallowing.
9. Blindness.
10. Sudden muscular jerks of the arms.

DIAGNOSIS OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

Test under diagnosis are:

1. X-ray.
2. Ultrasound.
3. Electroencephalogram.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
5. Computerised tomography scan.

TREATMENT OF SUBACUTE SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS

Treatment for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis included anticonvulsant therapy and supportive measures. Medical literature during the last decade, however, has shown stabilization of disease and delay in clinical progression after therapy with inosine pranobex (oral Isoprinosine); oral isoprinosine combined with intrathecal or intraventricular interferon alpha.