NINDS Rasmussen's Encephalitis Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Rasmussen's Encephalitis Information Page: NINDS
Main condition: Rasmussen's encephalitis
Conditions: Rasmussen's encephalitis

What is Rasmussen's Encephalitis?
Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare progressive neurological disorder, characterized by frequent and severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, hemiparesis (paralysis on one side of the body), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), dementia, and mental deterioration. The disorder, which affects a single brain hemisphere, generally occurs in children under the age of 10.

Is there any treatment?
When seizures have not spontaneously remitted by the time hemiplegia and aphasia are complete, the standard treatment for Rasmussen's encephalitis is surgery to remove or disconnect the affected part of the brain (hemispherectomy). Although anti-epileptic drugs may be prescribed initially, they are usually not effective in controlling the seizures. Alternative treatments may include plasmapheresis (the removal and reinfusion of blood plasma), ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrate), and steroids.

What is the prognosis?
Prognosis for individuals with Rasmussen's encephalitis varies. Untreated, the disorder may lead to severe neurological deficits including mental retardation and paralysis. In some patients surgery decreases seizures. However, most patients are left with some paralysis and speech deficits.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts studies aimed at understanding neurological conditions that can damage the brain such as Rasmussen's encephalitis. The goals of these studies are to find ways to prevent and treat these disorders.

Organizations

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
East Detroit, MI 48201-2227
aarda@aol.com
http://www.aarda.org/
Tel: 586-776-3900 800-598-4668
Fax: 586-776-3903

Epilepsy Foundation
4351 Garden City Drive
Suite 500
Landover, MD 20785-7223
postmaster@efa.org
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
Tel: 301-459-3700 800-EFA-1000 (332-1000)
Fax: 301-577-2684

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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