Gelastic Seizures of Neocortical Origin Confirmed by Resective Surgery

Abstract

Ictal laughter is a relatively unusual phenomenon that appears to arise from within hypothalamic hamartomas. Gelastic seizures of neocortical origin are rare and when reported typically originate from temporofrontal regions in proximity to the hypothalamus, raising the possibility of a subtle lesion in the hypothalamus. A girl with gelastic seizures originating in a dysembryoblastic neuroepithelial tumor at the cranial vertex had resolution of her seizures following surgical resection. Electrical propagation of seizures via the cingulate gyrus appears to be an alternative mechanism underlying gelastic seizures. (J Child Neurol 2000; 15:835-838).