Damage to the Hypothalamus
Due to stroke
Functions of the hypothalamus:
As a result of the stroke and damage to the hypothalamus the patient may:
Treatment Options:
Common caretaker questions:
How can you see the damage?
We are able to use brain scans such as fMRI to see the brain activity. Using fMRI allows us to see the blood flow in the brain and therefore to be able to see where the brain is active and where it is damaged (National, 2012).
Is the damage permanent?
The brain damage is permanent. The patient can improve on functions lost by participating in therapy. Therapy can teach other parts of the brain to take over. Medication can help regulate the patients mood and hormone deficiencies.
Will the damage get worse?
The damage is done. Due to the cause of the damage the patient may be at risk for future strokes and this could cause additional damage but if the patient has followed up with a medical provider who specializes in strokes, the damage should be over from the current event.
References:
Blair, R. (2013). Considering anger from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. HHS author manuscript, 3, 65-74. doi:
Healthline. (2015). Hypothalamus. Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/hypothalamus
MedlinePlus. (2016). Hypothalamic dysfunction. Retrieved from: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001202.htm
National institute of mental health. (2012). How does the brain work?- Human cognition. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEiux-AOzs