Rasmussen's Encephalitis

What is Rasmussen's Encephalitis?

Rasmussen’s encephalitis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects only one hemisphere of the brain.  It occurs in children under the age of 10 (and more rarely in adolescents and adults), and is characterised by frequent and severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and mental deterioration.  Most individuals with Rasmussen’s encephalitis will experience frequent seizures and brain damage over the course of the first 8 to 12 months, and then enter a phase of permanent, but stable, neurological deficits.  Scientists currently think that Rasmussen’s encephalitis is an autoimmune disease in which immune system cells enter the brain and cause inflammation and damage. 

Is there any treatment?

Anti-epileptic drugs are usually not effective in controlling seizures.  Recent studies have show some success with treatments that suppress or modulate the immune system, in particular those that use corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, or tacrolimus.  Surgery to control seizures may be performed in later stages of the disease when neurological deficits stabilize.  Surgical procedures, such as functional hemispherectomy and hemispherotomy, may reduce the frequency of seizures and also improve behaviour and cognitive abilities.   

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for individuals with Rasmussen’s encephalitis varies.  Despite the advances in medical treatment, none has yet been shown to halt the progress of the disease in the long term.  The disorder may lead to severe neurological deficits or it may cause only milder impairments.  For some children, surgery decreases seizures.  However, most individuals with Rasmussen’s encephalitis are left with some paralysis, cognitive deficits, and problems with speech.