Encephalitis Cases
Christien
Christien was born September of 1990, 3 months premature and weighed a whole 2lbs 2 ounces. I thought I had lived through the worst then. After a year of breathing difficulties, caused by having been on a ventilator, Christien was a completely normal active child until he was 6 years of age. His teacher noticed staring spells and asked if he suffered from seizures. I took him to see a pediatrician and was told they would humor me and do an EEG, which showed seizures in keeping with Epilepsy. His seizures continued to get worse and I don't think there are too many types of seizures that Chris has not had.
It took us two years to finally have Christien diagnosed. SSPE is an extremely rare form of encephalitis caused I believe from his measles injection. He received his vaccination in May and by November the symptoms were too obvious not to notice. Christien has never had measles to my knowledge. Funny vaccinations are supposed to stop these conditions. Unfortunately the outcome with this form of encephalitis is death, usually within 3 years for 80% of its victims. 20% live for 10 years. Information on this disease is very difficult to find. The symptoms are the same in most cases as other forms of encephalitis.
My son was 7 years old when this disease struck him. He is now 14. He relies on others for all aspects of daily living. Christien is no longer able to talk and relies on a wheelchair. He is very ataxic and has many mood swings. His brain doesn't recognize the right side of his body and he is becoming very weak. Christien is now also incontinent. They tell me his condition will continue to degenerate until a decreased level of consciousness comes and eventually coma.
I am a single mom who now can no longer work outside of the home due to Christien's condition and stuggle with the everyday events of a disease of this nature. He is so ever changing it is very difficult to predict when he will have good days. My son is very stubborn and I know as long as he can, he will continue to fight this horrible disease.
If anyone knows of someone who suffers from SSPE please have them contact me. I would love to hear from everyone out there.
Sincerely, Sally and Christien
Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004
