Which condition is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure and neurological decline weeks to years after a particular viral illness?

Which condition is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure and neurological decline weeks to years after a particular viral illness?

• A. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
• B. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
• C. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• D. Cerebral malaria

Answer: (B)

The condition characterized by elevated intracranial pressure and neurological decline that occurs weeks to years after a viral illness is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This rare but severe neurological disorder typically follows a previous infection with the measles virus, usually occurring 7 to 10 years after the initial illness. SSPE is associated with the progressive degeneration of the central nervous system, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, such as seizures, cognitive decline, and motor dysfunction. The pathophysiology involves the persistent infection of the CNS by the measles virus, which can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to neuronal tissues. The elevated intracranial pressure comes from the inflammation and the resulting complications associated with the disease's progression. Other conditions listed do not have the same temporal relationship or specific viral association as SSPE. For instance, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis occurs after a viral infection but results in acute neurological symptoms rather than a delayed decline. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is associated with a different virus (JC virus) and typically affects immunocompromised individuals, presenting with distinct symptoms and a different time course. Cerebral malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum, leads to

The condition characterized by elevated intracranial pressure and neurological decline that occurs weeks to years after a viral illness is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This rare but severe neurological disorder typically follows a previous infection with the measles virus, usually occurring 7 to 10 years after the initial illness.

SSPE is associated with the progressive degeneration of the central nervous system, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, such as seizures, cognitive decline, and motor dysfunction. The pathophysiology involves the persistent infection of the CNS by the measles virus, which can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to neuronal tissues. The elevated intracranial pressure comes from the inflammation and the resulting complications associated with the disease's progression.

Other conditions listed do not have the same temporal relationship or specific viral association as SSPE. For instance, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis occurs after a viral infection but results in acute neurological symptoms rather than a delayed decline. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is associated with a different virus (JC virus) and typically affects immunocompromised individuals, presenting with distinct symptoms and a different time course. Cerebral malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum, leads to