Measles to Misfortune: A Case Report on Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurological disorder of children or young adults caused by measles infection. An abnormal immune response to the virus is said to cause brain inflammation, which may last for years. Mortality rate of the disease is around 95%. In this case report, we present the case of a 15-year-old unimmunized boy from rural Assam who presented with progressive sudden jerky movements of his limbs for 2 months, along with difficulty in doing his daily activities and forgetfulness. Although he was initially admitted with a provisional diagnosis of seizure disorder and treated with tab sodium valproate and tab clobazam, his mother, revealed a history of measles infection at 7 years of age. His Electroencephalogram (EEG) reports and CSF IgG measles antibody findings were suggestive of SSPE. He was immediately started on Tab Isoprinosine at adequate doses, but he later succumbed to his illness within 3 months of the onset of symptoms. Immunization of children with the measles vaccine plays a significant role in averting this deadly condition.