Laser interstitial thermal therapy for hypothalamic-hamartoma-related epilepsy: the long-term cognitive outcome of the first pediatric case in Europe.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for drug-resistant, focal epilepsies. With MRI guidance, LITT can also be used to treat hypothalamic hamartoma. Here, we report on the first European case of LITT for hypothalamic hamartoma. No complication occurred except a transitory peripheral facial paralysis. The short- and long term outcomes (for both epilepsy and cognitive development) were excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]