Symptoms:

These tumors can cause a range of symptoms:

• Cachexia (loss of body fat and appetite)
• Euphoric "high" sensations
• Failure to thrive (lack of normal growth in children)
• Headache
• Hyperactivity

Such symptoms are most frequently seen in children whose tumors affect the anterior (front) portion of the hypothalamus.

Some tumors may cause loss of vision. If the tumors block the flow of spinal fluid, headaches and sleepiness may result from hydrocephalus (collection of fluid in the brain).

Some patients can have seizures as a result of brain tumors. Other patients may develop precocious puberty or increased prolactin levels from a change in pituitary gland function.

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider may identify an abnormal development during a regular checkup. He or she will perform a neurological exam, including testing of visual function. Blood tests for hormone imbalances may also be performed.

Depending on the results of the examination and blood tests, a CT scan or MRI scan can determine the presence of hypothalamic tumors.

Visual field testing may provide more information about how severely affected vision is and can help determine if the condition is improving or worsening.