Gelastic Epilepsy in Combination with Hypothalamic Hamartoma and Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gelastic epilepsy has been reported to originate from various conditions, particularly from hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). In the present study, we report a patient with gelastic seizures (GSs), followed by complex partial and tonic-clonic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a rare combination of HH and partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). Following resectioning of the HH, the seizures were reduced, but not fully controlled, with medication by the one year follow-up. HH and partial ACC patients may experience seizures; the seizures in the case presented in this study may have originated from HH, partial ACC or both. Considering the fact that seizure frequency reduced following surgery, they may have mainly occurred from HH. Additionally it was considered to be likely that the seizures following surgery were due to secondary epileptogenesis, partial ACC, or both.