Hypothalamus Disorders

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Damage to the hypothalamus can result from surgery, trauma (such as accident or stroke), degeneration due to old age or disease, or a tumor. The results of damage can be varied and depend on the areas of the hypothalamus involved.

Diabetes insipidus can be caused by hypothalamic damage, or by damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary tract. This disease reduces vasopressin production, resulting in large volumes of urine being produced at all times.

Other hypothalamic disorders can include sexual abnormalities (such as premature puberty), psychic disturbances, obesity, anorexia, temperature regulation disorders, sleep disorders, and disruption of normal circadian rhythms.

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