What does it mean to have an empty sella?

Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened. The pituitary is a gland attached to the base of the brain. The pituitary secretes hormones that regulate the body’s balance of many hormones controlling growth, development, and metabolism of the body.

What is the sella in the brain?

The pituitary is a small gland located just underneath the brain. It is attached to the bottom of the brain by the pituitary stalk. The pituitary sits protected inside a saddle-like bony compartment in the base of the skull. This compartment is called the sella.

What is partially empty sella?

Partial empty sella syndrome means your sella is less than half full of CSF, and your pituitary gland is 3 to 7 millimeters (mm) thick. Total empty sella syndrome means more than half of your sella is filled with CSF, and your pituitary gland is 2 mm thick or less.

How rare is empty sella?

Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS) is a disorder that involves the sella turcica, a bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds and protects the pituitary gland. ESS is often discovered during radiological imaging tests for pituitary disorders. ESS occurs in up to 25 percent of the population.

What is sella syndrome?

General Discussion. Empty sella syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by enlargement or malformation of a structure in the skull known as the sella turcica. The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression located in the bone at the base of skull (sphenoid bone), in which resides the pituitary gland.

What problems can the pituitary gland cause?

Pituitary disorders

• Change hormone production, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, stunted or excessive growth, high blood pressure, low sex drive or mood changes.
• Press against the pituitary gland, optic nerves or brain tissue, causing vision problems or headaches.

Is empty sella serious?

It is not a life-threatening condition. You may not have any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include impotence, less desire for sex, and irregular menstrual periods. You may not need treatment if you do not have symptoms, and if your pituitary gland is not enlarged.

Can pituitary tumors cause anger?

It has been documented that clinical depression and anxiety are common with pituitary disorders. Some patients report memory and mental confusion, anger and/or rage and even changes in a patient’s overall sense and awareness of themselves.

Where is the sella?

The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression located in the bone at the base of skull (sphenoid bone), in which resides the pituitary gland.

Can you live without a pituitary gland?

You can live without your pituitary gland as long as you take medication to replace the pituitary hormones that you’re missing. The pituitary gland hormones are very important for maintaining several bodily functions. An untreated lack of all the pituitary hormones is life-threatening.

Does the pituitary gland affect behavior?

Can a pituitary gland cause anger issues?

Is a pituitary tumor considered a disability?

Pituitary disorders and pituitary tumors are deemed disabling conditions under Section 9.00 – Endocrine Disorders. It states that if any individual suffers from hormone production disruption, which affects the normal functioning of the other endocrine glands then such an individual qualifies for benefits.

What is arachnoiditis?

Arachnoiditis occurs when the arachnoid is damaged. The arachnoid is part of a group of membranes that cushion the brain and spinal cord nerves. When this cushioning is damaged, nerves may not function correctly.

What happens when the arachnoid membrane is damaged?

The arachnoid is part of a group of membranes that cushion the brain and spinal cord nerves. When this cushioning is damaged, nerves may not function correctly. The nerves in the spinal cord are surrounded by several thin tissues, called meninges, which provide cushioning and protection.

How is arachnoiditis diagnosed?

A very small number of arachnoiditis cases are genetic. Pain management therapy may be useful for those with arachnoiditis. Arachnoiditis is rare, so it may require many tests and take some time to diagnose. There is no standard test for arachnoiditis, but imaging tests may be used. These include:

What is the meaning of respect?

English Language Learners Definition of respect (Entry 1 of 2) : a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc. : a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way