Gelastic Seizures in Hypothalamic Hamartoma: a Case Study

Czech version

Authors: P. Ševčík ¹; H. Vacovská ¹; V. Rohan ¹; P. Lavička ²; Z. Ambler ¹; J. Polívka ¹; Z. Hess ³
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika LF UK a FN Plzeň ¹; Neurochirurgické oddělení LF UK a FN Plzeň ²; II. interní klinika LF UK a FN Plzeň ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2007; 70/103(6): 702-706
Category: Case Report

Práce byla podpořena výzkumným záměrem MŠM 0021620816

Overview

Hypothalamic hamartoma can cause catastrophic and extremely drug-resistant epilepsy with epileptic encephalopathy. The first epileptic seizure is typically gelastic, and is followed by other types of seizures. Diagnosing small hypothalamic hamartoma with the use of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain may be difficult. Neurosurgical treatment, including radiosurgery, is complicated due to the location, and involves the risk of side effects. However, removal of hypothalamic hamartoma has a very positive effect on epileptic seizures and prevents the development of encephalopathy. We report a case of a patient with hypothalamic hamartoma successfully treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Key words:
hypothalamic hamartoma – epilepsy – drug-resistance – gelastic seizures – secondary epileptogenesis – epileptic encephalopathy – Leksell Gamma Knife

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