• Rasmussen’s Encephalitis is a chronic, inflammatory brain disease that generally starts in one hemisphere of the brain^[3]. It most often occurs in children under the age of 15
• The etiology of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis is unknown; however it is thought to be a T-cell mediated autoimmune disorder. It is not clear what triggers the abnormal immune response. While some believe that a viral infection is the cause, there is no evidence to support this^[1].
• It is characterized by severe and periodic seizures, loss of motor skills, speech difficulties, hemiparesis, and mental deterioration,
• Critical aspects of diagnosis are the history, Electroencephalography (EEG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and brain biopsy^[1].
• Treatment of RE has met with difficulties. Standard anticonvulsant therapy does not stop the seizures^[2].
• Corticosteroids are effective in the short-term, and there is promising research being done into the effects of immunosuppressive therapy^[2].
• Surgery has been a common treatment option, using hemispherectomy to separate and remove the affected hemisphere^[2].

References

1. Bien CG, Granata T, Antozzi C, Cross JH, Dulac O, Kurthen M, Lassmann H, Mantegazza R, Villemure JG, Spreafico R, Elger CE. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Rasmussen encephalitis: a European consensus statement. Brain, 2005. 128(Pt 3): p. 454-71.
2. Bien CG, Schramm J. Treatment of Rasmussen encephalitis half a century after its initial description: promising prospects and a dilemma. Epilepsy Res, 2009. 86(2-3): p. 101-12.
3. "Rasmussen's Encephalitis Information Page." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Web. 26 June 2012. < Treatment of Rasmussen encephalitis half a century after its initial description: promising prospects and a dilemma >.