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. Maximilin Geiger
Maximilin Geiger, PhD is neuropsychologist at the Epilepsy Center of University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany (Head: Prof. A. Schulze-Bonhage). M. Geiger completed his studies in clinical and health psychology in Nijmegen, The Netherlands (B.Sc), Zurich, Switzerland (M.Sc.) and Wuerzburg, Germany (PhD). At Epilepsy Center Freiburg he does neuropsychological assessments in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma before and after surgical procedures (i.e. developmental scales, memory outcome and executive functions). Scientifically, he is furthermore interested in neuronal (e.g. fMRI), neuropsychological (i.g. memory consolidation), and psychological markers (e.g. emotion regulation, interoceptive awareness) of epileptic and psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) .
Dr. Geiger will be presenting a talk on HH Neuropsychology and Cognition: Evaluation and Findings, during the session on Behavior & Comorbidities.
What is your specialty training and background?
I am neuropsychologist, thus at work I primarily look at cognitive functions (e.g. memory) but also psychological and behavioral problems. I am interested in application of neuroimaging techniques in research.
How did you become interested in HH research and care? What are your contributions to the HH field of research and care?
When I started working as a neuropsychologist at epilepsy center Freiburg I soon became interested in the field of HH. We see patients with HH from all over Germany, from all ages, and most interestingly with very different cognitive and psychological profiles. In our workgroup cognitive profiles of patients with HH, especially before and after neurosurgical interventions, have systematically been studied for many years.
The Symposium is important because
This will be my first HH Symposium. HH is a relatively rare diagnosis with a very heterogeneous group of affected patients. It will be a lot to learn and maybe generate new ideas in terms of research or treatment.
Outside of work passions
Spending time outside biking, hiking, etc.
Call to Action
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.
