Dawson's disease, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: what is this, the cause of the, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE; Dawson Disease)
What is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SAPC) It is a disease, that affects the brain and spine. This gradual loss of nerve cells from the constant swelling.
If the disease is left untreated, SSPE almost always leads to death. Seek immediate medical attention, if you think, that you or your child is sick SSPE.
Causes of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
SSPE cause any abnormal form of the measles virus, or an abnormal immune response to measles. The disease most often occurs in children 2-10 years after infection with measles.
Risk factors for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Factors, that may increase the risk of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis include:
- Age: 5-15 years;
- Paul: male;
- Reproach disease in infancy;
- Lack of vaccination against measles;
- Origin:
- Arabs and Sephardic Jews suffer SSPE six times more, than Ashkenazi Jews.
Symptoms of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Symptoms of SSPE may include:
- Anomalynoe behavior;
- Irritability;
- The loss of intellectual abilities;
- Memory loss;
- Automatism;
- Convulsions;
- Abasia;
- Speech disorders with a poor understanding of it;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Blindness;
- Muteness;
- Loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, and perform a physical examination. It can be assigned to a blood test.
You may need to perform images of internal organs and structures of the body. For this purpose, applied::
- ECG;
- CT scan (CT);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRT).
Treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Treatments include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis:
Supportive therapy for SSPE
With the progression of the disease may be necessary to install a tube for feeding and extra care.
Medications for the treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Reception anticonvulsants can reduce some symptoms of SSPE. Besides, there is some evidence, Some drugs may help to stabilize the disease and / or delay its development. These drugs include:
- Inosine pranobex (instruction of drug Gropinosin);
- Interferon alfa;
- Interferon beta;
- Ribavirin.
Prevention of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
The best way to prevent SSPE – measles vaccination. Measles vaccine is usually, given at age 12-15 months and again at 4-6 or 11-12 years. If you have not been vaccinated, should avoid contact with people, who are infected with measles, until their symptoms disappear.
