Rasmussen Encephalitis

Rasmussen encephalitis is a chronic inflammatory neurological disease that usually affects only one hemisphere of the brain. It most often occurs in children under the age of 10, although adolescents and adults may also be affected. Rasmussen encephalitis is characterized 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. While the cause of Rasmussen encephalitis is unknown, there is evidence that in many patients it is an autoimmune disorder. Immune therapy and surgery may be used for treatment.