Rasmussen's Encephalitis

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Special Consideration: Epilepsy Surgery for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis

In this sectionTuberous Sclerosis Complex | Focal Cortical Dysplasia | Hemimegalencephaly | Rasmussen’s Encephalitis | Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Epilepsy surgery for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis at UCLA

Gary W. Mathern, MD, Professor

Rasmussen’s encephalitis is a rare inflammatory brain condition generally limited to one half of the brain that causes uncontrollable focal seizures with a progressive paralysis, sensory loss and cognitive deficits. 

Additionally, it can cause progressive brain volume loss on MRIs.  It typically affects children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, but may sometimes occur earlier or later. 

A diagnosis can sometimes be facilitated through a lumbar puncture to test the brain and spinal fluid.  We have exceptional experience of this very rare condition that often necessitates a hemispherectomy for seizure control.  Through Dr. Gary Mathern’s laboratory including his tissue bank for rare epilepsy syndromes, we are finding novel ways to diagnose and treat this condition.

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