A hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a rare benign brain tumor of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain, and is responsible for many of the “automatic” functions of the brain including hunger, thirst, temperature, passion, and hormone regulation. A hypothalamic hamartoma can cause many types of seizures, precocious (premature) puberty, cognitive deterioration, and severe behavioral difficulties known as rage behaviors.
To stay abreast of what is happening in research for hypothalamic hamartomas, visit the Research Corner.
Each quarter there will be indepth discussions of the latest discoveries in HH
basic and clinical research from Dr. John Kerrigan.
John F. Kerrigan, MD, Co-Director, Hypothalamic Hamartoma Program Barrows Neurological Institute
As friends, families, and individuals affected by HH, we understand the importance of connecting with others when it comes to dealing with the many complicated aspects of HH. Our Forum is designed to help you connect with others who may be dealing with similar issues and concerns. Join our Forum and become a part of an amazing international support community.
Hope for HH seeks to provide information and support to hypothalamic hamartoma patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers and to promote research toward early detection, improved treatments, living with HH, and cure.
“Pushy Parents,” that is what Edie Magnus the correspondent from Dateline NBC, called my husband and me. It is a title we have come to acknowledge with pride. Edie was interviewing one of the many doctors who believed there were no options left for our four-year-old son CJ. He was born with a rare brain tumor called a Hypothalamic Hamartoma (HH). When CJ was three months old, we learned that the growth deep at the base of his brain was benign. That was our gift from God. No chemotherapy, no radiation, no spreading throughout the body. However, there was bad news. CJ would have a life filled with uncontrollable seizures of multiple types, cognitive decline, precocious puberty, and rage behaviors. As parents, we were devastated. But we also believed, deep in our hearts, that we couldn’t accept that diagnosis without a fight.