Comprehensive Case Study Report: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Background: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. It can be caused by persistent measles virus infection in the central nervous system or not receive treatment of measles at early years (Campbell et al., 2020). Case Presentation: A 5-year-old girl, who was previously stable physically, and her motor capabilities were intact. She presents with an episode of seizures in clinic, which was taken normal and Anti-Epileptic prescribed by Neuro-Medicine. After a week, she presented with an initial rash, which was initially mistaken for mosquito bites. Later, she developed tonic-clonic seizures, requiring immediate medical intervention. Over the following months, her condition worsened, with frequent seizure episodes despite medication. Further diagnostic tests confirmed SSPE. Her parents reported regression in her ability to perform daily activities, indicating a rapid neurological decline. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing SSPE. Management: Medical management of SSPE primarily involves symptomatic treatment aimed at controlling seizures, modulating immune responses, and slowing disease progression. Relieving the patient from seizures is very important as it can weaken the patient physically and cognitively. Furthermore, Antiviral therapies such as interferon-alpha and ribavirin have been used, though their efficacy remains limited (Rima & Duprex, 2018). Immunotherapy, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), has been explored to modulate immune responses and potentially slow disease progression (Johnson et al., 2022). Supportive care, including nutritional support, respiratory monitoring, and physiotherapy, palliative care is crucial in improving the patient's quality of life. Educating and supporting families through caregiver training programs and psychological counselling enhances patient outcomes. Conclusion: SSPE is a rare yet devastating complication of measles, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. While no definitive cure exists, early diagnosis and supportive management can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurology, infectious disease specialists, rehabilitation therapists, and supportive care teams, which may include nutritionists, respiratory therapists, and social workers, is crucial in managing SSPE effectively (Griffin & Lin, 2021). Continuous research and advancements in immunotherapy offer hope for better future outcomes.