The hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a rare congenital brain tumor that produces unusual “laughing” seizures, which typically do not respond to medications, and is associated with cognitive and hormonal abnormalities. The major goal of this study is to evaluate brain slices prepared from human surgical specimens using a highly computerized multi-electrode recording technique, one that may provide clues as to how seizures begin and spread within the tissue, and subsequently determine if any currently available drugs can block the abnormal firing of HH cells. This information may provide an immediate treatment option for HH patients, and for patients with other forms of epilepsy, this research may find important clues to how seizures may occur deep within the brain.
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