Prodromal Phase of Measles: Some Neurophysiological Studies

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Abstract
In the course of an epidemic of measles in England in 1963 E.E.G. [electroencephalographic] studies were made on 22 children during the incubation period and during and after the appearance of the rash. In all the patients tested 1 to 4 days before the occurrence of the rash, a moderate-to-severe excess of slow activity was seen in the E.E.G. The severity of the E.E.G. change often increased on the 1st day of the rash, decreasing gradually during the ensuing days. Fever did not appear to be an important factor in relation to the onset and severity of the E.E.G. changes. Various possible factors underlying the E.E.G. changes during the prodromal phase of measles and during the rash are discussed. If these preliminary results are confirmed by the study of larger groups of children, the E.E.G. change might be regarded as part of the usual events in measles during the prodromal period as well as during the rash. The present findings might be relevant to the study of some effects of various measles vaccines in selected subjects and particular age groups.