Because the pituitary gland is in the brain.
During radiation therapy for a brain tumor the hypothalamic-pituitary unit often receives significant doses of radiation with the tendency to develop long-term radiation-induced hypopituitarism (RIH) and its sequelae. The posterior portion of the pituitary gland regulates kidney function through the production of ADH, antidiuretic Hormone, which helps the regulation of water balance. If the pituitary fails to produce ADH, the patient will develop diabetes insipidus.
Excretion of large amounts of urine with low specific gravity less than 1.005 can be an indication of diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, usually resulting from the absence OR underproduction of ADH due to trama, or lesion to the hypothalamus, infundibular stem, or pituitary gland which produce and secrete ADH (Central DI). An insensitivity to ADH in the tubules of the nephrons (nephrongenic DI). Most rare is psychogenic DI in which there is an excessive water intake which results from trauma in the thirst center of the brain or a psychiatric disorder.
The symptoms suggest diabetes mellitus, specifically diabetes insipidus. This condition is characterized by excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and normal or high blood sugar levels. The normal ADH levels suggest a possible diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus, which is caused by a deficiency of vasopressin (ADH) production in the brain.
yes, the pituitary gland is at the base of the brain.
Pituitary is not supposed to be the part of the brain. It lies in pituitary fossa. It is connected to the brain via small stalk. It produce large number of hormones.
The pituitary of the brain sits in a tiny bony space called the sella turcica.
DefinitionCentral diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that involves extreme thirst and excessive urination.See also: Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenicAlternative NamesCentral diabetes insipidusCauses, incidence, and risk factorsCentral diabetes insipidus occurs when the body has too little of the hormone vasopressin.Vasopressin limits the amount of urine the body produces. Normally, the hypothalamus gland in the brain makes vasopressin, and the pituitary gland stores the hormone. Without vasopressin, the kidneys do not work properly to keep enough water in the body. The result is a rapid loss of water from the body in the form of dilute urine. A person with diabetes insipidus needs to drink large quantities of water, driven by extreme thirst, to make up for this excessive water loss in the urine (as much as 20 liters per day).The reduced levels of vasopressin associated with central diabetes insipidus may be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This damage may be related to surgery, infection, inflammation, tumor, or injury to the head.Sometimes the cause remains unknown. Very rarely, central diabetes insipidus can be caused by a genetic defect.SymptomsIncreased amount of urine productionExcessive thirstConfusion and changes in consciousness due to dehydration (if the patient is unable to drink)Signs and testsA person with central diabetes insipidus produces more than 3 liters of urine a day. Urinalysis will show a low concentration of salt in the urine.A water restriction test is used to look at how well the kidney works and how much urine is produced. This test is done during a hospital stay. A weight check, urine collection, and a blood test to check sodium concentration are done every hour. The blood sodium concentration may become high if the condition is untreated, and a person is not allowed to drink water.A CT or MRI of the head may show a problem in or near the pituitary gland.A person with central diabetes insipidus produces more than 3 liters of urine a day. Urinalysis will show a dilute urine with a low concentration of salt in the urine.TreatmentThe cause of the underlying condition should be treated.Vasopressin (desmopressin) may be given either as a nasal spray, tablets by mouth, or injections under the skin. This controls the urine output and fluid balance and prevents dehydration.In mild cases, drinking more water may be all that is needed. If the thirst mechanism is not working (for example, if the hypothalamus is damaged), a prescription for a certain amount of water intake may also be needed (usually 2 - 2.5 liters per day) to ensure proper hydration.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome depends on the underlying disorder. If treated, central diabetes insipidus does not cause severe problems or result in early death.ComplicationsDehydrationElectrolyteimbalanceConfusion and changes in mental status may develop if the condition is not treated.All patients with diabetes insipidus should wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace to alert caregivers to this condition in an emergency situation.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if symptoms indicate diabetes insipidus may be present.PreventionMany of the cases may not be preventable. Prompt treatment of infections, tumors, and injuries may reduce risk.ReferencesVerbalis JG. Posterior pituitary. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 243.
normal is about 70-90 at about 500 the patient loses consciouness. at about 40 the patient goes into a coma at about 20 there is brain damage at about 10 the brain dies.
The portion of the brain that controls the pituitary gland is known as the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is responsible for all the functions in the body.
the pituitary gland, which hangs off the hypothalamus
Pituitaries, technically, but it would mostly be "pituitary glands" since everything pituitary has to do with the pituitary gland, which is part of the brain.
Diabetes Mellitus is mainly caused by deficiency of insulin due to either destruction of Istet of Langerhans present in the pancreas or any autoimmune cause. Here there is increased blood sugar level and sugar starts to appear to come with urine. It even becomes fatal when sugar level increases very much. While Diabetes insipidus is caused by defect in secretion of vasopressin (Antidiuretic Harmone) which is secreted from pituitary gland present in hypothalamus. Its function is to reabsorb water from distal tubules in the kidney and due to this it contol the concentration of urine. But its deficiency causes increased water excretion through urine even in low intake of water.