Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a rare, progressive brain disorder caused by persistent measles virus infection, usually appearing years after measles and often fatal.

Measles virus: An enveloped RNA virus that causes measles and can persist in the central nervous system in altered forms. Mutated measles virus persists in brain tissue and drives the disorder.
Myoclonus: Brief, involuntary muscle jerks caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the nervous system. Regular jerks often emerge as the disease advances.
Measles: A highly contagious viral disease marked by fever and a characteristic rash. The disorder is a delayed, rare complication of measles infection.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: An acute inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the brain and spinal cord, often following infection or vaccination. Unlike this delayed progressive disease, it usually follows an immune-mediated, monophasic course.
Epileptic seizure: A transient episode caused by abnormal excessive or synchronized electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can develop as progressive brain injury spreads.
Persistent viral infection: An infection in which a virus remains in the host for months, years, or longer. The disease emerges when measles virus evades clearance and remains in the brain.
Dementia: A decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Progressive cognitive and behavioral decline is a central clinical feature.
Measles vaccination: Immunization that protects against measles using a live attenuated vaccine. Vaccination prevents measles and sharply reduces the risk of this complication.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: A progressive brain disease caused by JC virus reactivation, usually in people with weakened immunity. Both cause progressive neurological decline, but they involve different viruses and risk settings.
Coma: A prolonged state of unresponsiveness in which a person cannot be awakened. Advanced disease can lead to loss of consciousness before death.

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