Rasmussen’s encephalitis is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease that usually affects only one hemisphere of the brain. It usually occurs in children under the age of 10 (more rarely in adolescents and adults), and 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. Most individuals with Rasmussen’s encephalitis will experience frequent seizures and progressive brain damage in the affected hemisphere of the brain over the course of the first 8 to 12 months, and then enter a phase of permanent, but stable, neurological deficits. Rasmussen’s encephalitis has features of an autoimmune disease in which immune system cells enter the brain and cause inflammation and damage. Research is ongoing into the causes of this rare disease.
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. In some cases, the disease can progress
to involve the opposite brain hemisphere.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to Rasmussen’s encephalitis
in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and also supports additional research through grants to major
research institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately
cure progressive neurological disorders, such as Rasmussen’s encephalitis.
Epilepsy Foundation 8301 Professional Place 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) 55 Kenosia Avenue Danbury, CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
RE Children's Project 79 Christie Hill Road Darien, CT 06820 swohlberg@rechildrens.com http://www.rechildrens.org Tel: 917-971-2977 |
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Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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Last updated December 19, 2011