Assessment of pituitary function

Abstract

Sellar and parasellar tumours comprise 10–15 % of all intracranial neo‐plasms. Neurologists will thus often be faced with the problem of assessing pituitary function. A thorough clinical examination is of the foremost importance. In addition a small number of simple and rapid tests is required. Knowledge of the physiological variation in pituitary function is, however, necessary to allow a safe interpretation of the results. A simple routine procedure for assessing pituitary function is proposed.