Rasmussen syndrome appears to be an immune-mediated response that causes one hemisphere of the brain to become inflamed and deteriorate. Inflammation may stop without treatment, but the damage is irreversible. Rasmussen syndrome is associated with seizures on one side of the body that do not respond well to conventional seizure medications.

Symptoms of Rasmussen syndrome

Rasmussen syndrome typically begins between 1 and 14 years of age. Seizures are often the first symptom to appear. Weakness and other neurological problems, intellectual function (including memory and sometimes, language) often begin 1 to 3 years after the seizures start.

Treatment for Rasmussen syndrome

Because Rasmussen syndrome is difficult or impossible to control with medication, in many cases, the most effective treatment option is surgery, including hemispherectomy.

What Parents Need to Know

• Rasmussen syndrome typically begins between 1 and 14 years of age. Weakness and other neurological problems often begin 1 to 3 years after frequent seizures start.
• Treatments that suppress the immune system (for example, those designed to treat encephalitis) can be more effective than anti-seizure medications in some cases.
• Surgery is typically the most effective treatment option to remove the affected area of the brain. This procedure is called a hemispherectomy. Children are hospitalized for 7-10 days before transfer to rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation following surgery is a critical component to recovery. While each patient experience is unique, we have found that some children recover in 2-3 months.

Request a consultation

For more information about Rasmussen syndrome or to meet with our doctors, please call 410-955-9100, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.