Awareness
What is Rasmussen's encephalitis?
A rare, progressive neurological disease that almost always affects children. The earlier it's diagnosed, the more of a child's future can be saved.
Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is an autoimmune inflammation of one hemisphere of the brain. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue, causing increasingly frequent seizures, weakness on one side of the body, and gradual loss of cognitive skills. Standard seizure medications usually don't stop it. The most effective treatment is a hemispherectomy — surgically disconnecting the affected hemisphere.
Early signs to watch for
If you notice any of these in a child, see a pediatric neurologist — not just a general doctor.
- Repeated seizures, often on one side of the body
- Sudden, frequent twitching of a hand, arm, or face
- Progressive weakness on one side
- Loss of skills the child had already mastered (speech, walking)
- Behavioral changes, difficulty concentrating
Myth vs. Fact
The wrong belief can cost a child months — sometimes years.
Myth: It's a curse or spiritual attack.
Fact: It is a rare autoimmune inflammation of one brain hemisphere. It has nothing to do with curses or family curse/disgrace.
Myth: Herbs will cure it.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that herbal remedies can stop the inflammation caused by Rasmussen's encephalitis. Effective treatment requires specialist medical care, and in many cases, surgery is the most effective treatment
Myth: All seizures are just epilepsy.
Fact: Many conditions can cause seizures. Rasmussen's encephalitis may initially resemble epilepsy, but it is a progressive disease that often continues to worsen despite anti-seizure medications
Myth: A common misconception is that brain surgery will leave a child severely disabled or unable to function
Fact: Young children who undergo hemispherectomy often achieve remarkable outcomes because their developing brains have an incredible capacity to rewire and adapt
Share the info sheet
A one-page printable guide for parents, clinics, and community health workers.