What happens if your endocrine system fails

You might be surprised to learn that the pituitary say: pih-TOO-uh-ter-ee gland, which is about the size of a pea, is the "master gland" of the endocrine system.

It makes and releases a bunch of hormones that control other glands and body functions. Tiny and tucked beneath your brain, the pituitary helps you grow big by producing growth hormone. Your thyroid say: THY-royd gland is in your neck and it's shaped like a bowtie or a butterfly.

It makes hormones that are important for growth and it helps you stay alert and full of energy. Your adrenal say: uh-DREE-nul glands are really important to your body in times of trouble, like when you're sick or under stress. Adrenaline say: uh-DREN-uh-lin , one of the adrenal gland hormones, gives you the boost you need if you're being chased by a wild animal — or even your brother!

Your pancreas say: PAN-kree-us is your largest endocrine gland and it's found in your belly. The pancreas makes several hormones, including insulin say: IN-suh-lin , which helps glucose say: GLOO-kose , the sugar that's in your blood, enter the cells of your body.

Corresponding author. Received Dec 28; Accepted Dec This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract The nervous system and the endocrine system are closely interrelated and both involved intimately in maintaining homeostasis. Keywords: Endocrine system diseases, Neurologic manifestations, Child. Introduction Both the nervous system and the endocrine system are involved intimately in maintaining homeostasis.

Hypothalamic-pituitary system It is important to understand the hypothalamic-pituitary system and the intimate relation between nervous system and endocrine system. Potential endocrine disorders according to the specific neurologic manifestations Various neurologic signs and symptoms arising from the endocrine disorders include headache, altered state of consciousness, abnormal muscle strength, muscle tone, muscle stiffness and cramps, movement disorders, and psychomotor retardation 3.

Headache Headache may be a nonspecific sign, but it can be caused by pathologic conditions including idiopathic intracranial hypertension 3. Altered mentality Altered mental status is a common presentation in the emergency department, and can be caused by endocrine emergencies 5. Abnormal muscle strength, muscle tone and gait Muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness are common symptoms of endocrine disorders 3.

Movement disorders Movement disorders are the disorders causing involuntary movements such as chorea, athetosis or tremor 3. Developmental delay The effect of GHD on brain structure, motor function, and cognition were studied by cognitive assessment and diffusion tensor, and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging MRI in children with GHD. Neurologic findings in specific endocrine disorders 1.

Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction It is crucial to diagnose various hypothalamic-pituitary lesions as early as possible. Thyroid disorders In congenital hypothyroidism, mental retardation, hypotonia, constipation, somnolence, apnea, large fontanels, and sensorineural hearing loss may be presented 17 , Parathyroid disorders Neurologic manifestations associated with parathyroid disorders are related with serum calcium levels.

Adrenal disorders Primary adrenal insufficiency includes CAH, APS, ACTH resistance, adrenoleukodystrophy, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, adrenal hemorrhage, and IMAGe intrauterine growth restriction, metaphyseal dysplasia, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and genital anomalies syndrome 42 , Diabetes mellitus Diabetic ketoacidosis and cerebral edema may be presented with various neurologic manifestations 48 , Conclusions Endocrine disorders can be manifested by various neurologic symptoms and signs ranging from headache, myopathy to acute encephalopathy including coma.

References 1. Low MJ. Williams textbook of endocrinology. Hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary. Nelson textbook of pediatrics. Fenichel GM. Clinical pediatric neurology: a signs and symptoms approach. Philadelphia: W. Saunders; An integrated mechanism of pediatric pseudotumor cerebri syndrome: evidence of bioenergetic and hormonal regulation of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Pediatr Res. Park E, Abraham MK. Altered mental status and endocrine diseases. Emerg Med Clin North Am.

Brain function in physiologically, pharmacologically, and pathologically altered states of consciousness. Int Anesthesiol Clin. Taylor DA, Ashwal S. Impairment of consciousness and coma. Swaiman's pediatric neurology. Approach to the child with coma. Indian J Pediatr. Thirty years of personal experience in hyperglycemic crises: diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.

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Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in children: pathophysiological considerations and suggested guidelines for treatment. J Pediatr. Clinical concepts on thyroid emergencies. Front Endocrinol Lausanne ; 5 Arsos G. Unexpected diagnosis of thyroid storm in a young child referred for urgent lung perfusion imaging. Clin Nucl Med. Pediatric manifestations of Hashimoto's encephalopathy.

Pediatr Neurol. Clinical manifestations and treatment response of steroid in pediatric Hashimoto encephalopathy. J Child Neurol. Hashimoto's encephalopathy: report of three cases. J Formos Med Assoc. Myopathies of endocrine disorders: a prospective clinical and biochemical study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. Kruse K. Myopathies in endocrine disorders. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. Edvardsson B, Persson S. Subclinical hypothyroidism presenting with gait abnormality.

Bridges N. What is the value of growth hormone therapy in Prader Willi syndrome? Arch Dis Child. Hypotonic male infant and MCT8 deficiency- a diagnosis to think about. BMC Pediatr. Neuromuscular dysfunction in adult growth hormone deficiency. Clin Endocrinol Oxf ; 59 — Muscle function improves during growth hormone therapy in short children born small for gestational age: results of a peripheral quantitative computed tomography study on body composition.

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Brain white matter impairment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Arch Neurol. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: increased frequency of white matter impairment and temporal lobe structures dysgenesis. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. Magnetic resonance imaging in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia population: increased frequency of white-matter abnormalities and temporal lobe atrophy.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and memory dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes. Hypothalamic-pituitary lesions in pediatric patients: endocrine symptoms often precede neuroophthalmic presenting symptoms. Endocrine changes after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Hypopituitarism in childhood and adolescence following traumatic brain injury: the case for prospective endocrine investigation. Eur J Endocrinol. Neurologic complications of thyroid and parathyroid disease.

Med Clin North Am. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents What does the endocrine system do? What problems can happen with your endocrine system? How can you prevent endocrine problems? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. What does the endocrine system do? This may be caused by a problem with the hormones that control ovulation in women and the making of sperm in men.

This condition can change your energy level. It can make you lose weight. And it can give you a fast heart rate. It is caused by having too much thyroid hormone in your body. It can make you feel tired.