Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is Rasmussen’s Encephalitis?

One hemisphere (half) of the brain experiences persistently worsening inflammation (encephalitis) in Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE), an extremely uncommon illness. It is also known as Rasmussen syndrome. This inflammation causes progressive and irreversible brain damage as well as frequent convulsions (epilepsy). As a result, the impacted hemisphere of the brain stops functioning. As the inflammation worsens, one side of your body becomes weaker and your mental health deteriorates. The doctor who initially identified the disease in 1958, Theodore Rasmussen, is honored by the condition's name.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early detection and treatment can prevent additional neurological damage, minimize cognitive decline, and possibly stop the disease's course. Prompt treatment of Rasmussen's encephalitis is essential for improving a patient's long-term result.

What can I expect if my son has Rasmussen’s Encephalitis?

You must watch for symptoms of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis in children. A typical early symptom is mild weakness in your child's arm or leg.

Seizures typically become more frequent. With epilepsia partialis continuous (EPC), which occurs when seizures occur every few seconds or minutes, approximately half of patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis have this condition. Additionally, the seizures are intractable, meaning that medication cannot totally stop them.

These symptoms usually appear a few months to a few years after the initial seizure:

  • Mental deterioration, including problems with memory, cognition, and thinking
  • Hemiparesis is the progressive loss of motor (movement) skills on one side of your child's body. This frequently results in hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of your child's body
  • Progressive loss of language and speech skills (aphasia).

What are the Common Symptoms of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis?

Signs and symptoms are

  • Severe partial seizures
  • Loss of motor abilities
  • Speech loss
  • One side of the body is paralyzed
  • Learning impairments
  • Physical impairments
  • Perplexity.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis.

Causes

Although the exact etiology of Rasmussen's encephalitis is unknown, scientists have two theories:

Autoimmune disease: When your immune system targets healthy tissue for unclear reasons, you have an autoimmune disease. Rasmussen's encephalitis may be an autoimmune disease that affects one side of the brain, according to researchers.

Infection: An unidentified virus may infect your brain and cause Rasmussen's encephalitis. Nevertheless, despite thorough examinations of the afflicted brains, scientists have not been able to pinpoint a particular virus.

Risk Factors

Age a compromised immune system, viral exposure, and environmental variables are risk factors for encephalitis.

Complications

  • Seizures: Prolonged, frequent seizures that are challenging to manage
  • One side of the body may be weak or paralyzed
  • Deterioration of cognition: Language issues, intellectual difficulties, and mental decline
  • Vision loss: A partial inability to see
  • Academic decline: A steady reduction in one's capacity for academic work

Additional issues include permanent brain damage, speech and language issues, and loss of movement skills.

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis in India.

Rasmussen's encephalitis is currently treated in India mainly with anti-seizure drugs, immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or corticosteroids in the early stages, and the possibility of surgery, such as a functional hemispherectomy, for severe, refractory cases where the affected brain hemisphere is severely compromised. These cases frequently require consultation at specialized epilepsy centres, but access to more advanced treatments, such as newer immunomodulatory therapies, may differ based on availability and location.

Rasmussen’s Encephalitis Prevention Tips

You cannot prevent Rasmussen's encephalitis because it is extremely uncommon and the reason is unknown to researchers.

Treatment options for Rasmussen's Encephalitis

Immunotherapy: Frequently used drugs for immunotherapy are:
Corticosteroids: Because of its strong anti-inflammatory effects, high-dose methylprednisolone is frequently used in the early stages, but prolonged use can have serious adverse consequences.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 5000Explore Options

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): Often regarded as a cornerstone therapy, IVIG has the ability to alter the immune system and possibly lower inflammation.

Brain surgery: The best way to treat seizures in RE is with a hemispherectomy. Half of your child's brain must be surgically removed or disconnected from the remainder of their brain. The impacted hemisphere's function has already been lost in the majority of infants who have this operation. Following surgery, there is very little chance of future function loss. When the advantages of surgery exceed the risks, providers always take it into consideration.

Rasmussen's encephalitis is diagnosed by medical professionals based on your child's symptoms and certain test findings:

  • One side of your child's brain may have atrophy, or loss of brain tissue, as revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One important indicator of RE is a certain pattern of atrophy that gets worse over months or years
  • The illness can also be diagnosed with the use of electroencephalography (EEG). Your brain's electrical activity is captured by an EEG
  • The diagnosis of RE requires a combination of symptoms and indicators as well as imaging evidence of increasing brain hemisphere atrophy.

MediRehab (chain of Rehab center - part of MediGence provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support arthritis patients in <India>. These services include:

  • Nutritional Counseling: Diet plans to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Personalized Therapy Plans: Individually tailored treatments for pain management and enhanced mobility.
  • Rehabilitation post surgery: physiotherapy sessions focused on restoring joint function and strength.
  • Nutrition Guidance: Customized dietary plan for reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy weight for overall recovery.

Medications are mainly used to control seizures. Some broad-spectrum antiseizure medications include levetiracetam, lamotrigine, zonisamide and topiramate. Narrow-spectrum antiseizure medications: These medications mainly treat focal or partial seizures. Some narrow-spectrum antiseizure medications include ethosuximide, pregabalin, gabapentin and carbamazepine.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Rasmussen's Encephalitis in India

Jaslok Hospital & Research Center: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Jaslok Hospital & Research Center

Mumbai, India

  • Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, is a 350-bed super-speciality tertiary care hospital, established in 1973 and among India’s most respected private trust hospitals.
  • Located on Peddar Road in South Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea, it serves as a major referral centre for Mumbai, Maharashtra, and patients from across India and abroad.
  • The hospital offers comprehensive care across 50+ specialities and nearly 20 multidisciplinary speciality clinics, addressing complex and advanced medical conditions.
  • Supported by 300+ senior consultants and 200 resident doctors, ensuring high standards of expertise and round-the-clock patient care.
  • Equipped with 75 ICU beds, advanced critical care units, modular operation theatres, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging facilities.
  • Recognised as a leading centre of excellence in Critical Care, Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Oncosciences, Renal Sciences, Gastroenterology, and Assisted Reproduction.
  • A prominent research and academic institution, conducting clinical trials and recognised by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in 22 specialities.
  • Strong emphasis on quality, patient safety, and evidence-based care, with continuous monitoring of clinical and operational outcomes to meet international healthcare standards.
HCG Kalinga Rao Road: Top Doctors, and Reviews
HCG Kalinga Rao Road

Bangalore, India

HCG Kalinga Rao Road located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Diagnostic facility equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as 3T MRI, SPECT, PET-CT
  • Specialty laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities with expertise in oncology testing
  • The services provided under medical oncology include Haemato oncology, Pediatric oncology, Breast health, Preventive oncology, Daycare chemotherapy
  • Radiation oncology department adopts advanced technologies like CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery, TomoTherapy-H, Da Vinci, which allows cancer to be targeted with high accuracy
  • First Cancer Centre in India to introduce PET-CT technologies and Cyclotron
  • Consists of several beds and OTs with the latest equipment that meet high standards of sterility, and also comply with all international standards on operation theatre designs
  • Access to the latest technology like Linear Accelerator which allows the tumor to be treated with pinpoint accuracy
  • Equipped with Agility-Synergy linear accelerator, which allows accurate, image-guided radiotherapy to be provided safely and in a short time.
  • Have a unique facility that has BMT suites and a unique hemato-pathology lab. Conditions like Multiple Myeloma, Immune Deficiency Disorders, Leukaemia, Lymphomas, Aplastic Anaemia, Childhood Leukaemia, and certain Pediatric Cancers can be treated with Bone Marrow Transplants at the unit.
  • Ortho-Oncology clinic to be the first-of-its-kind in Bangalore, offering dedicated care for Musculoskeletal tumors
  • Round-the-clock extensive patient service helping diagnose cancer
  • Automated Breast Volume Scanner is the latest technology used for breast cancer detection
  • RTISTE linear accelerator used for various treatment approaches, including 3D conformal radiation therapy, Stereotactic
  • Radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre

Faridabad, India

Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre located in Faridabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Sarvodaya Hospital has a 500 bed capacity which is inclusive of 65 ICU beds.
  • A dedicated dialysis unit for people with kidney conditions.
  • The hospital has a cancer center which makes cancer treatment a seamless process.
  • There is an upcoming oncology center in Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad.
  • Technologies such as 128 Slice CT scan, 500 MA X-Ray, 1.5 Tesla MRI and Mammography facility.

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose India for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and immunosuppression therapy.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rasmussen's encephalitis has no known treatment. Rather, the aim of treatment is to control inflammation and symptoms. Treatment options could consist of: Drugs that prevent seizures: Anti-seizure drugs typically don't fully control seizures brought on by RE.

The nation's healthcare institutions offer top-notch treatment alternatives, guaranteeing successful outcomes for many patients. Anti-seizure drugs, immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or corticosteroids in the early stages, and surgical intervention such as a functional hemispherectomy for severe, refractory cases are the mainstays of the most recent treatment for Rasmussen's encephalitis in India.

Yes, many Indian hospitals offer the following for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis treatment:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate Rasmussen’s Encephalitis
  • Skilled neurologist and surgeons for Rasmussen’s Encephalitis
  • Advanced immunosuppression therapy
  • Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefit

Always consider the following factors when selecting Indian hospitals:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI and NABH).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In general, Rasmussen’s Encephalitis treatment has much improved in India. Controlling inflammation and symptoms is the aim of treatment. Among the treatments are anti-seizure drugs and immunosuppression therapy. In some cases surgery is suggested.

Only a doctor can diagnose Rasmussen’s Encephalitis through various tests and diagnoses. Brain MRIs are now a standard procedure for diagnosing and monitoring Rasmussen's encephalitis. Most individuals often have unilateral ventricular system hypertrophy within months of the acute stage beginning.

Rasmussen's encephalitis causes chronic inflammation of the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage, loss of motor skills, and mental impairment. With an estimated 200–500 instances worldwide, the illness is extremely uncommon and usually affects youngsters between the ages of 2 and 10.

Providing a supportive environment, managing symptoms with medication and therapies as directed by the doctor, closely monitoring the child's seizures, seeking specialized care such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and being ready for any necessary surgical procedures, such as a hemispherectomy, are all part of caring for a child with Rasmussen's Encephalitis. Always check with your child's medical team for the best course of action.