Rasmussen's Encephalitis: a rare Autoimmune Encephalitis

Abstract

Introduction: Rasmussen's encephalitis is a type of autoimmune encephalitis unusual in adults, an inflammatory, chronic and neurodegenerative brain disorder that manifests itself with treatment-resistant neocortical focal motor seizures. The pathophysiology of this disease has involved viral infections and the existence of antibodies, among other possible etiologies. Due to pharmacological resistance to anticonvulsants, management with immunoglobulin, in most patients, demonstrates clinical improvement and decreased progression. However, the only therapeutic management that seems to give accurate results to date is hemispherectomy.
Objective was to describe the risk factors, symptoms and treatments of Rasmussen's Encephalitis.
Methods: As it is a disease with scarce bibliography and occasionally rare diagnosis, the study was carried out under a cross-sectional, historical, statistical search supported by a comparative review in the various national and international databases.
Conclusions: The authors found a certain discrepancy in certain aspects, an element that, together with the magnitude that this pathology can have and its consequences, reflects the need for study and knowledge on the part of professionals and the health team for an accurate diagnosis in time.