Rasmussen's Encephalitis
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Special Consideration: Epilepsy Surgery for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis
In this section: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex | Focal Cortical Dysplasia | Hemimegalencephaly | Rasmussen’s Encephalitis | Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Epilepsy surgery for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis at UCLA
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.