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Definition of Panencephalitis, subacute sclerosing (SSPE)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Panencephalitis, subacute sclerosing (SSPE): A chronic brain disease of children and adolescents that occurs months to often years after an attack of measles, causing convulsions, motor abnormalities, mental retardation and, usually, death.