Ataxia resulting from posterior fossa tumors of childhood and other mass lesions

Abstract

Ataxia is a common presenting symptom and sequela of treatment in children with posterior fossa tumors, and is the most common focal neurological deficit in the majority of tumor types. Owing to the diversity of histologies among pediatric posterior fossa tumors and the concomitant diversity in tumor biology and prognosis, distinctive management strategies are required for each tumor type. In addition, age-related factors influence the ease of diagnosis and difficulty of management for patients with these tumors. In most modern centers, children with such tumors are treated in cooperative group studies, which are designed to increase the percentage of children who achieve long-term survival as well as their functional outcome.