MRI-guided laser thermal ablation

a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to precisely target and ablate tumor or lesion tissue by utilizing a  laser.  This laser can be directed to a defined area in the brain, using a thin fiber that is guided to the tumor tissue. The laser transmits energy and as a result, heats up the…

Migraine

A headache characterized by throbbing head pain, often greater on one side; may be preceded by a warning (aura) and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound; in rare cases, weakness, language problems, or other neurologic disorders are associated with migraine.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses powerful magnets, radio waves and computers to image inside the body.  Imagine a loaf of bread with one raisin (HH) in the middle. Now take a (virtual) bread knife and slice the bread with the intention of slicing right through a hypothalamic hamartoma, which is sometimes as small as the raisin.  Not an easy task.  During…

Limbic System

A group of structures in the brain that includes the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. The limbic system plays an important part in regulation of human moods and emotions. Many psychiatric disorders are related to malfunctioning of the limbic system.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

A disorder beginning in childhood, characterized by development delay or mental retardation, multiple seizure types that do not respond well to therapy, and slow spike-and-wave discharges on the EEG.