Rasmussen Syndrome, which occurs in children, is a rare, serious form of Epilepsy. It is characterized by chronic, active encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and by epileptic seizures of varying degrees of severity. Its symptoms are the unexplained onset of 1) intractable focal motor seizures, 2) progressive paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis) and 3) progressive intellectual deterioration. Focal seizure may be so frequent as to be almost constant. It is distinguished from other Epilepsy syndromes by the progressive nature of the seizures and by the hemiparesis. It affects one side of the brain only, and its seizures are generally unresponsive to medical therapy.
The Epilepsy Foundation of America
8301 Professional Place, Suite 200
Landover, MD 20785-2353
Phone: 800-332-1000
(en Español 1-866-748-8008)
Email: ContactUs@efa.org
Rasmussen’s Syndrome Fact Sheet
Epilepsy Foundation New England
335 Main Street Suite 8
Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: 617-506-6041
Rasmussen’s Encephalitis – Hemispherectomy Foundation
Rasmussen Syndrome – The Hospital for Sick Children
Fact Sheet last updated on: 3/21/2023
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