Rasmussen's encephalitis is a progressive disease characterized by an inflammatory process in one of the hemispheres of the brain. The pathology has a chronic course and is accompanied by serious neurological and psychiatric abnormalities. Untimely treatment can lead to oligophrenia and dementia. Children under 15 years of age are most susceptible to the disease, but Rasmussen's encephalitis is also diagnosed in patients of other age categories.
Symptoms and manifestations
Among the characteristic symptoms of Rasmussen's encephalitis is tetanic epilepsy with focal epileptic seizures. Amid persistent seizures and hyperkinesis, loss of consciousness may occur.
Other symptoms of the disease:
• speech impairment;
• progressive impairment of motor function on one side;
• muscle weakness;
• myoclonal contraction of individual muscle groups;
• loss of parts of the visual field;
• memory problems, difficulty concentrating.
The clinical picture often develops acutely or subacutely. When the first symptoms appear, it is important not to delay in making an appointment with a doctor, because with early diagnosis and treatment the chances of recovery increase significantly.
