Rasmussen's Encephalitis - Investigations

Investigations

The diagnosis may be made on the clinical features alone, along with tests to rule out other possible causes. An EEG will usually show the electrical features of epilepsy and slowing of brain activity in the affected hemisphere, and MRI brain scans will show gradual shrinkage of the affected hemisphere with signs of inflammation or scarring. Brain biopsy can provide very strong confirmation of the diagnosis, but this is not always necessary.