Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection
02:22

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Published on: April 12, 2024

Paroxysmal tonic eye deviation: an atypical presentation of hypothalamic hamartoma

Ivana Olivieri1, Federica Teutonico, Simona Orcesi

  • 1Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

Epileptic Disorders : International Epilepsy Journal with Videotape
|July 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights a rare hypothalamic hamartoma presenting with early gaze deviation and later gelastic seizures. These symptoms may stem from the hamartoma's epileptogenic nature, not direct involvement of eye motility regions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Hypothalamic hamartoma is a rare congenital malformation.
  • Typically presents with gelastic seizures and cognitive decline.

Observation:

  • A child experienced atypical benign paroxysmal gaze deviation from 2-3 months of age.
  • Gelastic seizures developed later, at 13 years old.

Findings:

  • The hypothalamic hamartoma was not located in brain regions controlling eye movements.
  • Both gaze deviation and gelastic seizures are hypothesized to originate from the hamartoma's epileptogenic activity.

Implications:

  • This case broadens the understanding of hypothalamic hamartoma presentations.
  • Suggests a potential link between gaze deviation and gelastic seizures in this condition.
  • Highlights the epileptogenic potential of hypothalamic hamartomas.

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...