Tumors or Lesions to the Hypothalamus Patient :: Neurology Neurological Papers Research

Tumors or Lesions to the Hypothalamus Patient The Hypothalamus is a small area near the base of the brain just ventral to the thalamus. It has widespread connections with the rest of the forebrain and the midbrain. Partly through nerves and partly through hypothalamic hormones, the hypothalamus conveys messages to the pituitary gland, altering its release of hormones (Kalat, 2003). Any type of damage to a hypothalamic nucleus, such as tumors or lesions, may lead to abnormalities in one or more motivated behaviors, such as feeding, drinking, temperature regulation, sexual behavior, fighting, or activity level. The exact cause of hypothalamic tumors is not known. It is likely that they result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In children, most hypothalamic tumors are gliomas. Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that results from the abnormal growth of glial cells, which are a type of cells that support nerve cells. Gliomas can occur at any age but they are often more aggressive in adults than children. In adults, tumors in the hypothalamus are more likely to be metastatic (resulting form the spread of cancer form another organ to the hypothalamus) than they are when they occur in children. Peter Heage, of Colorado, was diagnosed with a hypothalamic brain tumor. He said that he was having headaches too often, and they were different from most headaches he had in the past. He would forget things, and then forget more often. He said he had a vague feeling that something just wasn’t right. One day he had a seizure while he was at work. After seeing his physician, he told him that he had some of the common symptoms of a brain tumor. Brain tumors have a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to stroke. Seizures may be the initial manifestation of a brain tumor, and eventually as many as 30% of patients with brain tumors will develop seizures. Gradual loss of movement or sensation in an arm or leg may occur. Unsteadiness or imbalance, and double vision may occur, especially if it is associated with headache. Loss of vision in one or both eyes