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

Citation
Epg. Vining et al., PROGRESSIVE UNILATERAL ENCEPHALOPATHY OF CHILDHOOD (RASMUSSENS SYNDROME) - A REAPPRAISAL, Epilepsia, 34(4), 1993, pp. 639-650
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Clinical Neurology
Journal title
ISSN journal
00139580
Volume
34
Issue
4
Year of publication
1993
Pages
639 - 650
Database
ISI
SICI code
0013-9580(1993)34:4<639:PUEOC(>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
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.