Gelastic seizures due to hypothalamic hamartoma: rapid resolution after endoscopic tumor disconnection

Neurocase. 2013;19(5):458-61. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2012.701634. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Abstract

Gelastic epilepsy are focal seizures manifesting as recurrent brief seizures starting as laughter or grimaces. They are most commonly associated with other types of seizures and can be secondary to infectious, malformative, metabolic, or neoplastic processes involving the central nervous system. We report on an 18-month-old girl who presented since the age of 2 months with multiple, recurrent, unprovoked episodes of stereotypical laughter. Brain magnetic resonance study revealed an hypothalamic hamartoma. Endoscopic tumor disconnection of the hamartoma resulted in rapid resolution of neurological symptomatology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Epilepsies, Partial / etiology*
  • Epilepsies, Partial / physiopathology
  • Epilepsies, Partial / surgery*
  • Female
  • Hamartoma / complications*
  • Hamartoma / diagnosis
  • Hamartoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / complications*
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Hypothalamic Diseases / surgery*
  • Infant
  • Neuroendoscopy

Supplementary concepts

  • Hypothalamic hamartomas