Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 21 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
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All Diseases > Rasmussen's encephalitis
Rasmussen's encephalitis
Alternative Names: RE
Disease Category: Autoimmune Encephalitis
Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare but severe inflammatory brain disease that leads to the progressive destruction of one cerebral hemisphere over periods ranging from months to ten years or more. While the rate and pattern of the destructive process are highly variable, the deficits ultimately caused by RE are usually severe: they include hemiparesis, ataxia, intellectual decline, personality and behavioral changes, visual problems, sensory deficits, and speech problems. RE typically affects previously normal children aged two to ten years. However, some cases begin in adolescence and adulthood.