Question 1

What is Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)?

Accepted Answer

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive brain disease that causes severe neurological deterioration. It is caused by persistent measles virus infection in the brain tissue years after the initial measles illness. The Measles Antibody (IgG) test is the most important blood test for SSPE because it detects significantly elevated antibody levels that support the diagnosis.

Question 2

What causes SSPE?

Accepted Answer

SSPE is caused by the measles virus (Morbillivirus) persisting in brain tissue for years after the initial measles infection. The virus undergoes mutations that allow it to evade the immune system and remain dormant in the central nervous system. Eventually, this persistent infection triggers chronic brain inflammation that destroys nerve cells and causes progressive neurological damage. SSPE typically develops 7 to 10 years after measles infection, most commonly in people who had measles before age 2.

Question 3

What is the best test for SSPE?

Accepted Answer

The Measles Antibody (IgG) test is the most important blood test for SSPE because it detects dramatically elevated measles antibody levels that are characteristic of this condition. In SSPE patients, measles IgG levels are typically 10 to 100 times higher than normal, reflecting ongoing immune response to the virus in the brain. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile also includes measles antibody testing and can help establish the connection between past measles infection and current symptoms. However, the definitive diagnosis requires cerebrospinal fluid analysis showing elevated measles antibodies, brain imaging, and EEG findings in addition to blood work.

Question 4

When should I get tested for SSPE?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you had measles infection in early childhood and now experience progressive behavioral changes, memory problems, involuntary muscle jerks, vision problems, or declining school or work performance. Testing is especially important if you notice coordination difficulties, speech problems, seizures, or progressive mental deterioration developing gradually over weeks to months. Anyone with a history of measles infection who develops unexplained neurological symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation, as early detection can help with supportive care planning.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of SSPE?

Accepted Answer

SSPE symptoms develop in stages over months to years. Early symptoms include personality changes, memory loss, poor school performance, irritability, and behavioral problems that may be mistaken for psychological issues. As the disease progresses, involuntary muscle jerks (myoclonus), seizures, vision problems, speech difficulties, and loss of coordination appear. In advanced stages, patients experience severe mental deterioration, inability to walk, loss of speech, difficulty swallowing, and eventually become unresponsive. The progression is relentless and symptoms continuously worsen over time.

Question 6

Who is at risk for SSPE?

Accepted Answer

People who had measles infection before age 2 are at highest risk for developing SSPE, with males affected twice as often as females. The condition is extremely rare, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 measles cases, but risk increases significantly in those infected during infancy. Individuals with weakened immune systems at the time of measles infection face higher risk. SSPE is entirely preventable through measles vaccination, and vaccinated individuals have virtually no risk of developing this condition. Most SSPE cases occur in unvaccinated children or those infected before they could receive the vaccine.

Question 7

What happens if SSPE is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

SSPE is a fatal disease with no cure, and without supportive medical care, the condition progresses rapidly to death within 1 to 3 years of symptom onset. Untreated patients experience increasingly severe seizures, complete loss of motor function, inability to eat or drink, persistent vegetative state, and eventual death from complications like pneumonia or organ failure. Even with aggressive supportive treatment, the prognosis remains poor, though some patients may survive longer with proper medical management. Early medical intervention focuses on symptom control, preventing complications, and maintaining quality of life for as long as possible.

Question 8

Can SSPE be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose SSPE, but they play a crucial supportive role by detecting extremely elevated measles antibody levels that strongly suggest the condition. The Measles Antibody (IgG) blood test shows antibody levels 10 to 100 times higher than normal in SSPE patients. Definitive diagnosis requires cerebrospinal fluid analysis showing elevated measles antibodies with a characteristic pattern, brain MRI or CT scan revealing inflammation and tissue damage, and EEG showing distinctive periodic electrical patterns. Blood testing is typically the first step that prompts further neurological investigation when combined with concerning symptoms.

Question 9

How is SSPE treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no cure for SSPE, and treatment focuses entirely on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Antiviral medications like isoprinosine and interferon-alpha have been tried with limited success in slowing disease progression in some cases. Anticonvulsant medications help control seizures, while muscle relaxants may reduce involuntary movements. Nutritional support through feeding tubes becomes necessary as swallowing ability declines. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and palliative care help maintain comfort and quality of life. Family support and counseling are essential components of care as the disease progresses.

Question 10

How can I prevent SSPE?

Accepted Answer

SSPE is entirely preventable through measles vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Children should receive their first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years old for maximum protection. Vaccination has dramatically reduced SSPE cases in countries with high immunization rates. If you are unvaccinated or unsure of your vaccination status, getting the MMR vaccine as an adult still provides protection against measles infection. Preventing measles infection through vaccination is the only way to eliminate the risk of developing SSPE years later.

Question 11

What can I do at home for SSPE?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on creating a safe, comfortable environment as the disease progresses. Install safety equipment like bed rails, wheelchair ramps, and bathroom grab bars to prevent falls as mobility declines. Maintain proper nutrition through soft foods or prescribed feeding methods as swallowing becomes difficult. Keep a consistent daily routine to reduce confusion and anxiety. Monitor for signs of aspiration pneumonia, pressure sores, or other complications that require immediate medical attention. Connect with support groups for families dealing with SSPE to share experiences and coping strategies. While home care cannot stop disease progression, it can maximize comfort and dignity throughout the illness.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

SSPE Blood Test for Measles Complications

What is Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)?

What causes SSPE?

What is the best test for SSPE?

When should I get tested for SSPE?

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