Menéndez-Narváez RA, García-Méndez A, Hernández EE

Language: Spanish
References: 27
Page: 131-152
PDF size: 698.26 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Posterior fossa tumors affect cerebellar functioning. Neuropsychological disturbances have been reported in patients whose treatment consisted solely of surgical resection, which suggests that cerebellar tumor and / or surgical manipulation of the cerebellum generate these deficiencies.
Objective. To evaluate neuropsychological functions for possible alterations in cognitive functions and emotional behavior in children diagnosed with tumor of posterior fossa before and after surgical procedure.
Method. Nine children diagnosed with posterior fossa tumor were evaluated in their neuropsychological functions before and after surgical treatment with a battery of neuropsychological test including; an IQ test and cognitive functions (WISCIV- IV), a test of nonverbal intelligence (TONI-2), a test of executive functions (ENFEN) and a test of behavior and emotions (BASC).
Results. Our evaluation showed alterations in cognitive functions (perceptual reasoning and processing speed), in executive functions (selective focus and alternating as well as verbal fluency) and emotional functions (aggression, attitude towards the teacher and school maladjustment), related to the presence of tumor and surgical treatment.
Conclusions. This study showed neuropsychological alterations in executive functions of patients with posterior fossa tumors before and after surgical extirpation, without changes in intelligence, which confirms that cerebellum is involved in human cognition.

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