Hope for HH is co-sponsoring the 4th International Symposium on Hypothalamic Hamartomas – a professional symposium for HH investigators, clinicians and researchers – in Washington DC Sept. 12-14. The Symposium aims to identify gaps in understanding and opportunities for future HH research studies and collaborations to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of both the seizures as well as the other endocrinological and neuropsychological symptoms.
In this blog series, we will introduce you to several internationally recognized clinicians and researchers who are thought leaders both inside and outside of HH and who will serve as facilitators, presenters and discussants at the Symposium. Highlights of the Symposium will also be available to the HH patient and professional community following the meeting.
Meet Dr. Kerstin Alexandra Klotz
Dr. Kerstin Alexandra Klotz is a pediatric neurologist, specialized in childhood epilepsies. My interest in Hypothalamic Hamartoma started with the understanding of the disease as a possibility to understand network function and epileptogenesis better. As a pediatric neurologist, I like to work in interdisciplinary teams and take care of not only medical but also social and psychological aspects in my patients as well. Therefore, I’m working on a scientific project about the relationship of sleep and comorbidities in patients with HH .
Dr. Klotz is one of three up and coming Young Investigators that was awarded a scholarship to attend the Symposium. We are grateful to our donors for making these awards possible. Funding young investigators is critical toward helping the next generation of HH clinicians and researchers network and connect.
What is your specialty training and background?
After completing my pediatrics training, I specialized in pediatric neurology and pediatric epileptology. I’m working in a tertiary epilepsy center for children and adults in Freiburg/Germany. For scientific work, I’m part of our research group as well a fellow in the Berta Ottenstein program for clinician scientists of the medical faculty in Freiburg.
How did you become interested in HH research and care? What are your contributions to the HH field of research and care?
Hypothalamic Hamartoma have been diagnosed and treated in Freiburg for several years. Research in several aspects of HH has also a long tradition in Freiburg. I find it a highly fascinating disease because it provides us an insight in the processes of epileptogenesis and epileptic network changes. Nevertheless it is a devastating disease for patients and families, impacting many aspects of daily living. Therefore, one of my scientific projects evaluates sleep in patients with HH and the impact on cognitive function.
The Symposium is important because
Hypothalamic hamartoma are very rare, it’s clinical picture heterogeneous and treatment often difficult. The Symposium makes it possible to gather specialists of very different backgrounds with a high level expertise in HH to exchange their knowledge but also to plan further research.
Outside of work passions
I love to travel!
Like to share your feedback about the Symposium, speaker or topic, please send your comments to info@hopeforhh.org.
Would you like to support the Symposium and research with a donation to Hope for HH? Click here to Donate.
