Rasmussen subacute encephalitis

Rasmussen encephalitis, also called Rasmussen subacute encephalitis or Rasmussen syndrome, is a rare inflammatory brain disease that mainly affects one side (hemisphere) of the brain. It most often begins in childhood, typically between ages 2 and 10, though it can occasionally start in teenagers or adults. The disease causes progressive inflammation and damage to one hemisphere of the brain, leading to worsening seizures, weakness on one side of the body, and a gradual decline in thinking and language abilities. The hallmark symptom is epilepsia partialis continua — frequent, repetitive seizures affecting one side of the body that are very difficult to control with standard seizure medications. Over time, the affected brain hemisphere shrinks (atrophies), and patients develop increasing weakness or paralysis on the opposite side of the body (hemiparesis). Cognitive abilities, including speech and memory, may also decline as the disease progresses. The exact cause of Rasmussen encephalitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune process where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue. Some researchers have found antibodies against brain proteins, particularly GluR3 (a glutamate receptor), in some patients, though this is not present in all cases. Treatment options include anti-seizure medications, immunotherapy (such as steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, or plasma exchange) to reduce inflammation, and in many cases, surgery. The most effective surgical treatment is a hemispherectomy or hemispherotomy, which disconnects or removes the affected hemisphere to stop seizures. While this surgery can be life-changing, it does result in permanent weakness on one side and visual field loss.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage of Rasmussen encephalitis is my child in, and how quickly is it progressing?,Would immunotherapy be helpful at this point, and what are the risks and benefits?,When should we consider hemispherectomy surgery, and what outcomes can we expect?,What seizure rescue medications should we have at home, and when should we call 911?,How will this disease affect my child's learning and development, and what support services are available?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for Rasmussen encephalitis?,What rehabilitation services will my child need, and how can we access them?

Common questions about Rasmussen subacute encephalitis

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Rasmussen subacute encephalitis.

• Hemimegalencephaly→
• Sturge-Weber syndrome→