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Can head trauma trigger adult-onset Rasmussen's encephalitis?
Derrick Soh1, Dennis J Cordato1, Andrew F Bleasel2
1Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of NSW, Australia.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 22, 2017
Summary
Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) can be triggered by head trauma, leading to difficult-to-treat epilepsy. This case highlights a unique presentation of RE following a concussive head injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroinflammation
- Epileptology
Background:
- Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a rare, progressive brain disorder causing severe neurological deficits.
- It is characterized by unilateral inflammation and refractory epilepsy, often including epilepsia partialis continua (EPC).
Observation:
- A 36-year-old female presented with new-onset right upper limb EPC.
- The EPC began two weeks after a concussive left frontal head injury.
- No prior neurological issues, seizures, or intracranial pathology were identified.
Findings:
- Extensive investigations excluded other potential causes for the EPC and RE.
- Supportive histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of RE.
- The patient's EPC was refractory to standard epilepsy treatments.
Implications:
- This case suggests head trauma may precipitate or cause Rasmussen's encephalitis.
- It underscores the importance of considering trauma in the etiology of unexplained RE and EPC.
- Further research into the link between TBI and neuroinflammatory conditions like RE is warranted.
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