Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD.
Quick Answer
Yes, measles can cause brain swelling, a condition known as encephalitis. This occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 measles cases. It can lead to permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Additionally, a very rare but fatal brain complication called SSPE can develop years after a person has recovered from the initial measles virus.
Can Measles Cause Brain Swelling? Understanding the Risks
Most people think of measles as just a scary red rash and a fever. However, measles is a serious respiratory virus that can spread to other parts of the body. One of the most dangerous complications is when the virus affects the brain.
What is Encephalitis?
When we talk about “brain swelling” related to measles, we are usually talking about acute encephalitis. This happens when the virus triggers inflammation in the brain tissue. It typically starts about six to seven days after the rash appears.
Symptoms of brain swelling include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Confusion or personality changes
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who survive measles-related encephalitis often face long-term challenges, such as intellectual disabilities or blindness.
The Hidden Danger: SSPE
There is another way measles affects the brain, and it is much more subtle. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very rare, “slow-acting” brain disease. It is caused by a persistent measles virus infection in the central nervous system.
What makes SSPE terrifying is the timeline. A child might fully recover from measles and seem healthy for 7 to 10 years. Then, the virus “wakes up,” causing gradual mental decline, muscle spasms, and eventually, a total loss of motor function. As noted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), SSPE is always fatal.
Why Does the Brain Swell?
The measles virus is an expert at hiding from the immune system. Sometimes, the body’s own defense system overreacts while trying to clear the virus from the brain, leading to massive inflammation. In other cases, the virus directly attacks the nerve cells. Because the skull is a hard container, there is no room for the brain to expand when it swells. This pressure is what causes the lasting damage.
How to Prevent Complications
There is no specific “cure” for measles once the infection starts. Doctors can only treat the symptoms and provide supportive care, such as fluids or medicine to reduce fever.
The only effective way to prevent brain swelling from measles is to prevent the infection entirely. The MMR vaccine is highly effective. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing the disease. By getting vaccinated, you aren’t just skipping a rash; you are protecting your brain from life-altering inflammation.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Encephalitis is immediate brain swelling that occurs in 1 in 1,000 cases.
- SSPE is a fatal brain disease that shows up years after the infection.
- Vaccination is the primary defense against these neurological complications.
- Medical Attention is vital if a person with measles shows signs of confusion or extreme lethargy.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.