Rasmussen subacute encephalitis true Orphanet:1929 ICD9:323.9 A rare, progressive chronic inflammation of a single cerebral hemisphere that usually affects children. It is characterized by severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, hemiparesis, and dementia. RE UMLS:C2930868 Rasmussen encephalitis NCIT:C125384 chronic focal encephalitis CFE GARD:0007527 MESH:C535291 SCTID:230191005 ICD10:G04.8 This epilepsy is associated with onset of seizures between 1-10 years of age (peak 5-6 years), later onset is exceptional. Both sexes are affected equally. Antecedent and birth history is usually normal. Head size and neurological examination are usually normal prior to onset of the epilepsy. With time, a progressive hemiparesis develops. Some children may first present with a unilateral movement disorder (hemidystonia, hemiathetosis) prior to onset of seizures. Iritis has been reported as an antecedent condition. CSF may show non-specific findings including the presence of oligo- or monoclonal bands. There are three stages to the illness i) an initial prodromal phase with infrequent seizures and no hemiparesis ii) an acute phase with frequent seizures and development of hemiparesis and iii) a residual stage with permanent stable hemiparesis. Rasmussen Encephalitis http://www.case.edu/EpSO.owl#RasmussenEncephalitis MONDO:0016019 Rasmussen syndrome immune etiology