children s health issues
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)
Diagnosis of SSPE
Tests on cerebrospinal fluid or blood Imaging tests A doctor suspects SSPE in young people who have mental deterioration and muscle jerks. The diagnosis is confirmed by examination of cerebrospinal fluid, a blood test that reveals high levels of antibody to the measles virus, an abnormal electroencephalogram ( Electroencephalography ), and magnetic resonance imaging ( A biopsy of the brain may need to be done if the tests cannot reveal a cause. 