Rasmussen's encephalitis
Rasmussen's encephalitis (pronunciation: rahs-MOO-senz en-sef-uh-LY-tis) is a rare, chronic neurological disorder, characterized by unilateral inflammation of the cerebral cortex, seizures, and progressive neurological and cognitive deterioration.
Etymology
The condition is named after Theodore Rasmussen, a Canadian neurosurgeon who first described the condition in the 1950s.
Symptoms
The most common initial symptom of Rasmussen's encephalitis is seizures. These seizures often become more frequent and severe over time, leading to epilepsy. Other symptoms can include loss of motor skills and speech, paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and mental deterioration.
Causes
The exact cause of Rasmussen's encephalitis is unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the brain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Rasmussen's encephalitis is typically based on the characteristic clinical and radiological findings. MRI is often used to identify the inflammation and atrophy of one side of the brain.
Treatment
Treatment for Rasmussen's encephalitis is primarily aimed at controlling the seizures. This can include medications, immunotherapy, and in severe cases, surgery such as a hemispherectomy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with Rasmussen's encephalitis varies. Some individuals may have mild neurological and cognitive deficits, while others may experience severe seizures and progressive neurological deterioration.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rasmussen's encephalitis
- Wikipedia's article - Rasmussen's encephalitis
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