gelastic-dacrystic seizures
Pronunciation: jeh-LAS-tik DAK-ris-tik
Seizures characterized by inappropriate laughter (gelastic) or crying (dacrystic), often associated with hypothalamic hamartomas.
Full Definition
Gelastic-dacrystic seizures are distinctive seizure types characterized by inappropriate emotional expressions: gelastic seizures involve unmotivated laughter, while dacrystic seizures involve unmotivated crying or sobbing. These seizures are strongly associated with hypothalamic hamartomas but can occur with other lesions affecting the limbic system. The laughter or crying is typically hollow, emotionless, and unrelated to the patient's actual emotional state. Patients often have no awareness during these episodes and may progress to other seizure types or complex partial seizures.
Usage
Usage note: From Greek 'gelos' (laughter) and 'dakryon' (tears); often occur together in same patient.
In Context
- "MRI revealed a hypothalamic hamartoma consistent with the child's gelastic seizures." — Neuroimaging correlation report
- "The combination of gelastic and dacrystic seizures prompted evaluation for deep brain pathology." — Epilepsy clinic assessment