PROGRESSIVE UNILATERAL ENCEPHALOPATHY OF CHILDHOOD (RASMUSSENS SYNDROME) - A REAPPRAISAL

Twelve children with Rasmussen's encephalitis underwent hemispherectom y and have been followed for an average of 9.15 years. Our decision-ma king process leads to early, rather than late operation. Because hemip legia is inevitable with or without operation, earlier operation may a llow such children to resume a more normal life. We postulate that ear lier operation may prevent some of the intellectual decline that accom panies the continued seizures and their treatment. In view of the vari able pathologic findings and lack of evidence of a viral etiology, we suggest either use of the term ''progressive unilateral encephalopathy of childhood'' or ''Rasmussen's syndrome'' in recognition of its heri tage.