Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   These problems often need treatment but are not always emergencies.

   Seek emergency help for:

   • A seizure lasting five minutes or longer
   • Repeated seizures without recovery between them
   • Severe difficulty breathing or blue or grey lips
   • Sudden unresponsiveness or inability to wake
   • A serious injury during a seizure
   • Choking that does not clear

   Follow any personalised seizure or emergency plan already provided by the specialist team.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange a prompt medical assessment if you or someone you care for develops unexplained loss of skills, repeated muscle jerks, seizures, major behaviour changes, worsening balance, or declining school or work performance.

   These symptoms have many possible causes and do not by themselves mean SSPE.

   If SSPE has already been diagnosed, contact the care team promptly about increasing seizures, new swallowing problems, repeated choking, reduced drinking, weight loss, worsening stiffness, new pain, or a clear change in alertness.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.