Surgical treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma and refractory seizures: a case report and review of the literature.

Refractory gelastic seizures are often associated with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). Presurgical evaluation in such children often points to a distinct cortical region as the source of the seizures. A case of a child with HH and refractory seizures is presented. Video-EEG monitoring revealed a well-defined epileptic focus in the left frontal region. In accordance with the current understanding of the nature of hamartoma-related seizures, the hamartoma was resected. Follow-up evaluations revealed a marked improvement in seizure frequency and global functioning.