Gamma knife radiosurgery for refractory epilepsy caused by hypothalamic hamartomas

Background: Hypothalamic hamartomas are associated with precocious puberty and chronic epilepsy characterized by gelastic seizures. The seizure disorder is usually refractory to most antiepileptic drugs. Gamma knife surgery has emerged as an alternative to microsurgical removal or radiofrequency ablation to improve seizure control. We present our experience with radiosurgery in 4 patients afflicted by this disorder. Methods: Using gamma knife radiosurgery, 4 patients with intractable gelastic seizures and complex epilepsy were managed. Patient age varied from 5 to 29 years. The duration of symptoms was 4-28 years. A conformal radiosurgery plan was designed with a mean of 4.25 isocenters to cover the hamartoma at the 50% isoclose line. A mean margin dose of 17.5 Gy was used. The clinical outcome was evaluated with the Engel scale. Results: No complication occurred. After a median follow-up of 22 months, 3 patients had shown some improvement, with 2 attaining Engel class II status. Conclusion: Gamma knife surgery is a promising alternative to microsurgical removal for patients with refractory epilepsy caused by hypothalamic hamartomas. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.