Hypothalamic hamartoma is a medical condition characterized by the development of a noncancerous tumor near the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates a number of body functions. This rare condition is most frequently diagnosed in children. People who develop hypothalamic hamartoma symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Seizures
Seizure symptoms caused by hypothalamic hamartoma typically arise during infancy. These seizures, termed gelastic seizures, appear as brief episodes of inappropriate, unusual laughter. Children between the ages of four and 10 who have hypothalamic hamartoma typically display more severe seizure symptoms, according to medical experts with St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Affected children can experience debilitating, involuntary muscle spasms accompanied by loss of consciousness. Seizure episodes can occur frequently and sporadically and can significantly interfere with a child's ability to participate in school, social or athletic activities.
Early Puberty
Benign tumor growth near the hypothalamus can cause early puberty, or precocious puberty, in children with hypothalamic hamartoma. Girls with this condition can begin developing breasts or pubic hair before age six or seven, explain medical professionals with Patient UK. Affected boys can develop pubic hair, an enlarged penis or deepened voice before age nine. A doctor should evaluate any child who develops these symptoms of hypothalamic hamartoma.
Cognitive Impairment
Tumor growth within the brain can interfere with a child's normal cognitive development, warn medical experts with the Cleveland Clinic. A parent or caregiver may notice that a child with hypothalamic hamartoma begins to perform worse in school, or has unusual difficulty learning new skills or information. Without treatment, children with hypothalamic hamartoma can continue to exhibit progressive cognitive decline in conjunction with seizure symptoms.
Behavioral or Emotional Problems
Unusual behavioral or emotional problems can arise in children with hypothalamic hamartoma. Affected children can experience abnormal mood swings or extreme rages and temper tantrums, warn St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center health professionals. These emotional problems can contribute to behavioral problems at home or in the classroom. Affected children can have difficulty relating or interacting with children their own age. Poor social adjustment accompanied by progressive cognitive decline can interfere with a child's ability to make friends. Emotional and behavioral problems can become worse if children with hypothalamic hamartoma do not receive treatment.
References
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hypothalamic Hamartoma
- Hypothalamic Hamartoma Support Page: Information about HH
- Cleveland Clinic: Hypothalamic Hamartoma
- NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center: Hypothalamic Hamartoma and Epilepsy
- Patient UK: Hamartomas - Presentation - Symptoms - In Hypothalamic Hamartoma
