What causes central diabetes insipidus?
In about half the cases, the cause of central DI is unknown. Other times, the reduced levels of vasopressin may be the result of damage to the hypothalamus or the posterior part of the pituitary gland where the hormone is normally produced. This damage can be due to surgery, head trauma, tumor, inflammation, or infection. In very rare cases, central DI is caused by a genetic defect. Doctors determine that the disease is inheritable when the onset occurs in early childhood and there is a family history of central DI. Usually, central DI cannot be prevented. The risk of developing central DI can be reduced, though, by prompt treatment of injuries, infections, and tumors.
