Hypothalamic Symptomatology and its Relationship to Diencephalic Tumor in Childhood

Abstract

Autonomic dysfunction in a child may present confusing clinical phenolmena which mimic other diseases. Various clinical manifestations were seen during the 6-year course of a child with an astrocytoma of the hypothalamus. These ranged from the initial features of the diencephalic syndrome of infancy to autonomic seizures with striking paroxysms of hypertension, tachycardia, and sweating. Disturbances in hormonal regulation and gastrointestinal abnormalities were possibly related to the autonomic disturbance. The mechanisms for these findings were poorly understood. We conclude that a diencephalic lesion should be suspected in any child exhibiting such findings.

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Conditions

“…27 The Hypothalamus, Basal Ganglia, Limbic System, and Cerebral Cortex A number of autonomic, endocrinological, immunological, and emotional functions have been ascribed to the hypothalamus, but since selective lesions in the hypothalamus are uncommon, its precise roles are not fully elucidated. However, various cases with GI dysfunction, including instances of appetite loss, vomiting, nausea, intermittent diarrhea, and sphincter incontinence have been attributed to hypothalamic neoplasms, [28][29][30] and functional neuroimaging in humans has demonstrated a close relationship between the hypothalamus and satiety and hunger. 31 In some animals, the basal ganglia modulates bowel motility; the main action is facilitatory, but an inhibitory response has also been observed.…”