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Insights on cognitive reorganization after hemispherectomy in Rasmussen's encephalitis. A narrative review.

Authors :
Borne, Anna
Perrone-Bertolotti, Marcela
Ferrand-Sorbets, Sarah
Bulteau, Christine
Baciu, Monica
Source :
Reviews in the Neurosciences; Oct2024, Vol. 35 Issue 7, p747-774, 28p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare neurological pathology affecting one cerebral hemisphere, therefore, posing unique challenges. Patients may undergo hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure after which cognitive development occurs in the isolated contralateral hemisphere. This rare situation provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate brain plasticity and cognitive recovery at a hemispheric level. This literature review synthesizes the existing body of research on cognitive recovery following hemispherectomy in Rasmussen patients, considering cognitive domains and modulatory factors that influence cognitive outcomes. While language function has traditionally been the focus of postoperative assessments, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need to broaden the scope of language investigation in interaction with other cognitive domains and to consider cognitive scaffolding in development and recovery. By synthesizing findings reported in the literature, we delineate how language functions may find support from the right hemisphere after left hemispherectomy, but also how, beyond language, global cognitive functioning is affected. We highlight the critical influence of several factors on postoperative cognitive outcomes, including the timing of hemispherectomy and the baseline preoperative cognitive status, pointing to early surgical intervention as predictive of better cognitive outcomes. However, further specific studies are needed to confirm this correlation. This review aims to emphasize a better understanding of mechanisms underlying hemispheric specialization and plasticity in humans, which are particularly important for both clinical and research advancements. This narrative review underscores the need for an integrative approach based on cognitive scaffolding to provide a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying the reorganization in Rasmussen patients after hemispherectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03341763
Volume :
35
Issue :
7
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Reviews in the Neurosciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180173200
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2024-0009