title: Rasmussen encephalitis: epilepsia partialis continua secondary to chronic encephalitis.
abstract: Rasmussen encephalitis is a disease consisting of chronic encephalitis with progressive neurologic deficits and focal intractable seizure activity. The etiology is unknown, but pathologic specimens revealed changes consistent with viral encephalitis. Even though neuro-imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, offer the prospect of specific, presurgical diagnostic criteria, the initial diagnosis usually is made on a clinical basis. Treatment modalities, including a wide variety of antiepileptic drug therapies and surgical interventions, may result in significant physical and mental impairments. We summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and different treatment protocols in a patient with this rare and debilitating disorder.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Zupanc
authors: E G
authors: EG
authors: Handler
authors: R L
authors: RL
authors: Levine
authors: T W
authors: TW
authors: Jahn
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: ZuRhein
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Rozental
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Nickles
authors: C R
authors: CR
authors: Partington
mesh_terms: D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed