Neurosurgery
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Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare inflammatory disease affecting one hemisphere, causing progressive neurological deficits and intractable seizures. ⋯ Obtaining complete disconnection is critical for favorable seizure outcomes from hemispherectomy, and neurosurgeons should have a low threshold to reoperate in patients with RE with recurrent seizures. Rapid progression of motor deficits and bilateral MRI abnormalities may indicate a subpopulation of patients with RE with increased risk of needing reoperation. Overall, we believe that hemispherectomy is a curative surgery for the majority of patients with RE, with excellent long-term seizure outcome.