The Important Role of Hemispherotomy for Rasmussen Encephalitis: Clinical and Functional Outcomes

Beyond the Pump: A Narrative Study Exploring Heart Memory

“…Hemispherectomy, a rare neurosurgical procedure, involves removing or disconnecting one cerebral hemisphere to treat severe epilepsy unresponsive to medication, as seen in Rasmussen's encephalitis or Sturge-Weber syndrome [ 36 , 37 ]. Despite concerns about cognitive and personality impacts, especially in children, outcomes can be surprisingly positive due to neuroplasticity.…”

“…Despite concerns about cognitive and personality impacts, especially in children, outcomes can be surprisingly positive due to neuroplasticity. Research indicates that while some challenges like language or memory may arise post-surgery, fundamental personality traits typically remain intact [ 36 , 37 ]. Though changes can occur, they're often less severe than anticipated.…”

“…Though changes can occur, they're often less severe than anticipated. Patients tend to maintain interests and emotional responses, though some adjustments are expected due to the procedure's neurological effects and psychological factors [ 36 , 37 ]. Only a limited number of case series regarding hemispherectomy in patients with Rasmussen’s encephalitis have been documented in scientific literature.…”

“…The study conducted by Thome et al comprised a cohort of 44 patients exhibiting typical characteristics of Rasmussen’s encephalitis, including an early onset of seizures (mean: six years), frequent daily seizures, and the presence of focal motor deficits [ 37 ]. Prior to undergoing surgery, all individuals in the Thome et al study were receiving polytherapy for epilepsy management, with 50% of them having also undergone immunomodulatory treatment.…”

“…While most deficits may be recoverable with appropriate rehabilitation, preservation of language function is more likely if surgery is conducted early in treatment. Thome et al thoroughly analyzed 28 neuropsychological assessments with long-term follow-up (mean: 23 months/median: 25.5 months) post-surgery [ 37 ]. They found that the preoperative cognitive status remained stable in 18 patients, declined in eight, and improved in two over time.…”