Abstract
Hypothalamus integrates neural and humoral regulation in the body. It has a key role in water metabolism, thermoregulation, control of appetite and energy expenditure, circadian rhythms, vegetative functions, control of mood, behaviour and memory.
Hypothalamic injury presents itself as a combined impairment of these functions with anterior pituitary failure and neurological symptoms. Hypothalamic injury is either congenital (both genetic and developmental) or acquired.
In adults, the most frequent causes are primary or metastatic tumours, infections, trauma or vascular lesions. This article covers diagnosis and therapy of diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and hypothalamic obesity.
The most common hypothalamic inherited syndromes are mentioned as well.