Patients with SSPE progress inexorably to a vegetative state and death. There is no effective treatment for the condition. The patient was started on anti-epileptic medications for seizure control and oral Inosoplex in order to slow the progression of the disease. He was then transferred to a local care facility near his home. Onset of the disease is insidious and often only recognized after significant neurologic deficits occur.
Affected individuals progress through four loosely defined clinical stages at differing rates.
Worldwide, the incidence of infection varies and is linked to implementation of early childhood rubeola vaccination. No proven effective treatment is currently available, although several medication trials are underway. Stage I is characterized by subtle behavioral changes, cognitive decline, emotional lability, lethargy, and nonspecific neurologic symptoms. This stage may last for weeks to months. This stage may last three months or less.