Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in a child

Abstract EN

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurological disease affecting children and adolescents.

The etiology is proven to be due to measles virus which causes persistent central nervous system infection.

SSPE is classified under the category of progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes.

This group of disorders characterized by progressive dementia, cognitive decline and myoclonic epilepsy are frequently resistant to anti epileptic medications.

Although SSPE has generally a poor prognosis, several studies showed variable response to antiviral therapy and Interferon Alpha resulting into stabilization of the disease.

In the era of measles vaccination program the incidence of the disease dropped dramatically in USA1.

We are reporting as far as we believe the first child discovered to have SSPE in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The child presented to the pediatric neurology department with new onset seizures and progressive decline in her school performance.

Examination and further investigation proved that the child was suffering from SSPE.