Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis natural history

Prognosis
Death usually occurs within 3 years. If the diagnosis is made during stage 1 of the SSPE infection then it is possible to cure the disease. However, once SSPE progresses to stage 2 then it is universally fatal in all occurrences. The standard rate of decline spans anywhere between 1–3 years after the onset of the infection. The progression of each stage is unique to the sufferer and cannot be predicted although the pattern or symptoms/signs can be. Although the prognosis is bleak for SSPE past stage 1, it should be noted that there is a 5% remission rate — this may be either a full remission or an improvement in condition giving a longer progression period or at least a longer period with the less severe symptoms. Regardless of the stage that the infection is at, treatment with isonine pranobex combined with interferon can give up to a 50% remission/improvement rate.