Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
02:22
Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection
Published on: April 12, 2024
Giant hypothalamic hamartoma and dacrystic seizures
Eduardo López-Laso1, M Elena Mateos González, Rafael Camino León
1Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain. eduardo.lopez.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Epileptic Disorders : International Epilepsy Journal with Videotape
|February 20, 2007
Summary
Ictal crying, specifically dacrystic seizures, can be linked to hypothalamic hamartoma. Surgical intervention resolved gelastic seizures but not dacrystic ones in an infant case.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Ictal crying, including dacrystic seizures, is a rare epileptic manifestation.
- It is often associated with hypothalamic hamartoma, but can also occur with other brain lesions.
Observation:
- A case study of an infant presenting with gelastic and dacrystic seizures linked to a giant hypothalamic hamartoma.
- Dacrystic seizures occurred in clusters at sleep onset, characterized by moaning, flushing, crying, and specific eye/eyelid movements, followed by staring and automatisms.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the hypothalamic hamartoma at nine months of age successfully ceased gelastic seizures.
- However, dacrystic seizures persisted post-operatively, indicating a complex or multifactorial etiology.
Implications:
- This case highlights the varied presentation of seizures associated with hypothalamic hamartoma.
- It suggests that while surgery can be effective for certain seizure types, others like dacrystic seizures may require alternative management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:19Seizures ll: Types
Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...