Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) also known as
Dawson Disease,
Dawson encephalitis, and
measles encephalitis is a rare and chronic form of progressive
brain inflammation caused by a persistent infection with
measles virus (which can be a result of a mutation of the virus itself). The condition primarily affects children and young adults. It has been estimated that about 1 in 10,000 people infected with measles will eventually develop SSPE. No cure for SSPE exists and the condition is often fatal. However, SSPE can be managed by medication if treatment is started at an early stage. Much of the work on SSPE has been performed by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).