2025 ICD-10-CM code A81.1
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but fatal complication of measles infection that affects the brain. It typically develops years after the initial measles infection.
The medical necessity for services related to A81.1 stems from the progressive and debilitating nature of SSPE.Diagnostic testing is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from other neurological conditions. Treatment, although primarily supportive, aims to alleviate symptoms and potentially slow the disease's progression.
Physicians diagnose SSPE based on symptoms, patient history (including measles infection or vaccination), physical examination, and laboratory tests like CSF analysis for measles antibodies, EEG, MRI, and sometimes brain biopsy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with antiviral medications and immune-boosting drugs, but there's no cure.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- Viral and prion infections of the central nervous system (A80-A89)
In simple words: SSPE is a serious brain disease that happens years after someone has measles. It causes problems with thinking, moving, and seizures, and it sadly leads to death.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson's inclusion body encephalitis or Van Bogaert's sclerosing leukoencephalopathy, is a progressive and usually fatal brain disorder caused by a persistent measles virus infection.The measles virus remains in the brain and reactivates, leading to inflammation and damage. Symptoms typically appear years after the initial measles infection and progress through stages, from subtle cognitive decline to severe neurological dysfunction and ultimately death.
Example 1: A 15-year-old who had measles at age 1 presents with declining school performance, memory problems, and personality changes.Testing reveals measles antibodies in the CSF and characteristic EEG patterns, confirming SSPE., A young adult develops myoclonic jerks and seizures several years after a measles infection.Brain imaging shows abnormalities consistent with SSPE, and CSF analysis confirms the diagnosis., A child with a history of measles exhibits progressive loss of motor control, difficulty swallowing, and visual impairment. The diagnosis of SSPE is made based on clinical findings and laboratory confirmation.
Documentation for A81.1 should include details of the patient's neurological symptoms, history of measles infection (including date if known), results of CSF analysis (measles antibody titers), EEG findings, MRI or CT scan reports, and any other relevant laboratory or diagnostic test results.
** While SSPE is rare in countries with widespread measles vaccination, it remains a significant concern in regions with lower vaccination rates.Early measles vaccination is crucial for prevention.
- Specialties:Neurology, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office