Hypothalamic hamartoma in adults.

Epilepsy in adult patients with hypothalamic hamartoma has not been well studied. It is uncommon but merits recognition. In this paper, 14 adult patients with hypothalamic hamartoma and epilepsy, of whom three developed epilepsy only in adult life, are presented. The later onset of epilepsy appears to be associated with a milder epilepsy syndrome, less severe learning difficulties and behaviour problems, and better occupational and social status. Gelastic seizures are less prominent in this age group. Of particular interest, one patient had prominent sleep disturbances characterized by a reduction in total slow wave and REM sleep without daytime sleepiness. The milder epilepsy and preserved cognitive and social functioning have implications for management. A number of patients were controlled by anticonvulsant medication, and were functioning satisfactorily. For such patients minimally invasive surgical procedures, or medical therapy should be considered.