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Lingual epilepsia partialis continua in Rasmussen's encephalitis
Dinesh Nayak1, Mathew Abraham, Chandrasekharan Kesavadas
1R. Madhavan Nayar Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy Care, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Summary
This study details a rare case of disabling tongue seizures (epilepsia partialis continua) in an adult male, successfully treated with surgery. The findings highlight a unique presentation of Rasmussen's encephalitis without hemiparesis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Epileptology
Background:
- Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is a rare condition characterized by continuous focal seizures.
- Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease affecting one hemisphere of the brain.
Observation:
- An adult male presented with disabling dysarthria caused by left-sided tongue epilepsia partialis continua (EPC).
- Clinical, MRI, and EEG findings suggested Rasmussen's encephalitis, notably without hemiparesis despite a 15-year disease duration.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a unique presentation of Rasmussen's encephalitis with isolated lingual EPC.
- Surgical resection of the right frontal operculum led to complete resolution of the lingual EPC.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential clinical manifestations of Rasmussen's encephalitis.
- Focal cortical resection can be an effective treatment for refractory lingual EPC, even in long-standing cases.
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