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Gelastic seizures: a retrospective study in five tertiary hospital centres Volume 22, issue 2, April 2020

TEST YOURSELF

(1) Provide the essential characteristics of a gelastic seizure?

 

(2) Are gelastic seizures always associated with hypothalamic hamartomas?

 

(3) Which other brain regions can trigger gelastic seizures?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Answers

(1) Gelastic seizures are defined as ictal phenomena, characterized by recurrent bouts of paroxysmal stereotyped laughter or giggling, generally without mirth or appropriate affective tone.

(2) No, they are classically associated with hypothalamic hamartoma, but there are other aetiologies, associated with different patterns of affected topography, that may cause them.

(3) Gelastic seizures may also arise from other brain regions, particularly in the temporal and frontal lobes. Seldom, the parietal or occipital lobes may also cause gelastic seizures.

 

 

 

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