Tumors or Lesions of the Hypothalamus PatientThe hypothalamus is a small area near the base of the brain, just ventral to the thalamus. It has widespread connections with the rest of the forebrain and midbrain. Partly through nerves and partly through hypothalamic hormones, the hypothalamus transmits messages to the pituitary gland, altering its release of hormones (Kalat, 2003). Any type of damage to the hypothalamic nucleus, such as tumors or lesions, can lead to abnormalities in one or more motivated behaviors, such as eating, drinking, temperature regulation, sexual behavior, fighting, or activity level. The exact cause of hypothalamic tumors is not known. . They are likely to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In children, most hypothalamic tumors are gliomas. Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that results from the abnormal growth of glial cells, which are a type of cell that support nerve cells. Gliomas can occur at any age but are often more aggressive in adults than in children. In adults, tumors of the hypothalamus are more likely to be metastatic (resulting from the cancer spreading from another organ to the hypothalamus) than they are in children. Peter Heage of Colorado was diagnosed with a hypothalamic brain tumor. He said he had headaches too often, and they were different from most headaches he had had in the past. He forgot things, and then he forgot more often. He said he had a vague feeling that something wasn't right. One day he had an attack while he was at work. After seeing his doctor, he told him he had some of the most common symptoms of a brain tumor. Brain tumors have a variety of symptoms ranging from headaches to stroke. Seizures can be the initial manifestation of a brain tumor, and up to 30% of patients with brain tumors will eventually develop seizures. There may be a gradual loss of movement or feeling in an arm or leg. Unsteadiness or imbalance and double vision may occur, especially if associated with headaches. Loss of vision in one or both eyes