Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a late complication of childhood measles. The annual incidence of SSPE in developing countries is 10-20 per million population. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive and motor functions, seizures, and eventually death. The diagnosis is made with a characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern, and the high titer of anti-measles IgG in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).  Although a combination of intrathecal interferon alpha (IFN-α) and daily oral isoprinosine has been reported to have a good outcome, there is no cure for this condition.

We present a case of a 16-year-old male with SSPE who presented with progressive weakness, frequent loss of postural control, multiple episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and urinary incontinence. On exploration of his history, he had measles at the age of two months, and he had received measles vaccine at nine months as per the national immunization schedule. Neurological examination revealed flaccid paralysis. Investigation showed increased serum measles antibody titer, high amplitude spikes in electroencephalogram (EEG), and high fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signals on MRI of the brain consistent with probable SSPE. He was managed symptomatically until his condition got worse, and he was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. Eventually, he passed away.