Hypothalamic Hamartoma Program

About Our Program

Hypothalamic hamartoma is a type of rare, benign (noncancerous) tumor that occurs at a rate of one in every 200,000 people. Because they are so rare, hypothalamic hamartomas can be extremely difficult to diagnose, let alone treat.

Since 2003, we have made it our mission to provide a new avenue of hope for those suffering from the seizures and behavioral problems that are the hallmark of this disease. We are one of just a few hospitals in the world that perform highly technical transcallosal surgery to remove hypothalamic hamartomas.

For more information on the Barrow Hypothalamic Hamartoma Program or to make an appointment, please call (602) 406-6262.

The Barrow Difference

Unrivaled Experience

Our staff of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and neuroscience nurses has treated over 100 patients with hypothalamic hamartomas. These patients have ranged from children to adults, and some have traveled from other continents to seek out our unique expertise.

In addition, our partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital has allowed us to provide an even greater degree of specialized care for pediatric patients.

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medical team analyzing results on a laptop

Unmatched Technology

The Hypothalamic Hamartoma Center at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona has implemented some of the most advanced technology available, including:

Intraoperative imaging that can guide our neurosurgeons in real time
Gamma Knife radiosurgery—a noninvasive alternative to open surgery
Endoscopic surgery requiring only minimal incisions

Most recently, we have begun using laser-generated stereotactic thermoablation technology to target hypothalamic hamartomas with improved accuracy and precision.

Proven Results

The neurosurgeons and neurologists affiliated with the Barrow Hypothalamic Hamartoma Center are dedicated to refining and improving the treatment process. As such, we carefully study the outcomes of every patient we treat. Our results have been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, and we have documented significant control of seizure symptoms in 80 percent of the patients we have treated.