MedTerms Medical Dictionary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Find a medical definition by using the A-Z listing (select a letter)

Hamartoma, hypothalamic: A benign tumor of the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst. (In technical terms, the hypothalamus lies beneath a structure known as the thalamus and forms the floor of the third ventricle of the brain.)

A small hypothalamic hamartoma can cause the patient to feel as though they have to laugh. The tumor also causes the patient to have mild epileptic seizures. The seizures can usually be controlled with medication; the laugh cannot.

Larger hypothalamic hamartomas often cause more serious symptoms, including changes in mental ability and behavioral problems.

Patients with possible hypothalamic hamartomas should have MRI scans, which should be thoroughly scrutinized, since the growths are small and sometimes difficult to detect.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Find a medical definition by using the A-Z listing (select a letter)

Copyright © 1996-2003 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved.
MedicineNet, Inc. does not endorse any of the services or products offered on this page.

Information in the MedTerms Medical Dictionary is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.