[Psychological and neurologic long-term consequences of brain tumors in children. A pilot study]

Abstract

Brain tumor is one of the most common forms of cancer in children. The therapy includes surgical interventions, radiation of the central nervous system and chemotherapy. Combining these methods of treatment has remarkably improved the survival of children with certain brain tumours (e.g. medulloblastoma). However, long-term studies have revealed serious psychological and somatic consequences of the disease and the treatment. This paper presents the results of a pilot study of nine children with brain tumor. The patients were examined using a battery of neuropsychological methods (Luria's Neuropsychological Investigation, WISC-R), a semi-structured interview (Child Assessment Schedule), a parent report form (Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist) and a clinical neurological examination. The most striking finding from this investigation was in the psychosocial field. Except for one child, all the patients showed an introvert reaction pattern with a tendency towards anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. All the children showed some neurological and neuropsychological deficits. Except in the case of two mentally retarded children, cognitive functions were within the lower normal range. Specific learning, memory and fine-motor disabilities were found in more than half of the patients. The investigation suggested that both fine-motor and mental performance was detrimentally affected by increased speed. This seems to be an area of special interest for further studies.