A case of pure gelastic seizures due to hypothalamic hamartoma with a benign course

Abstract Hypothalamic hamartoma is a potentially complex entity with diverse clinical manifestations. We report a case of gelastic seizures associated with a hypothalamic hamartoma, which followed a benign course. A 31-year-old woman with episodes of laughter was referred for diagnostic evaluation. Her initial MRI and EEG were reported as normal. However, her episodes of laughter were typical of gelastic seizures from history and video review. Repeat MRI revealed a small HH. She declined any medical treatment and was medication free until last follow-up. This benign course of HH-associated epilepsy, not necessitating treatment, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported.