OBJECTIVE: To describe neuropsychological functioning (with a specific focus on cognition and memory) after surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: Sixteen patients who were between 6 and 15 years of age at the time of surgery comprised the sample. Each child had been treated for a craniopharyngioma with surgery only, on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Protocol 92-077. RESULTS: The overall level of cognitive functioning was well within the average range, with both language and visuospatial functioning being generally intact; however, specific memory problems, in both the language and visuospatial domains, were evident. CONCLUSION: Although general cognitive functioning was intact after the surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas, difficulties in the retrieval of learned information were observed. Neuropsychological assessments, with a focus on memory recall, should be a component of the medical management plan for each child.
OBJECTIVE: To describe neuropsychological functioning (with a specific focus on cognition and memory) after surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: Sixteen patients who were between 6 and 15 years of age at the time of surgery comprised the sample. Each child had been treated for a craniopharyngioma with surgery only, on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Protocol 92-077. RESULTS: The overall level of cognitive functioning was well within the average range, with both language and visuospatial functioning being generally intact; however, specific memory problems, in both the language and visuospatial domains, were evident. CONCLUSION: Although general cognitive functioning was intact after the surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas, difficulties in the retrieval of learned information were observed. Neuropsychological assessments, with a focus on memory recall, should be a component of the medical management plan for each child.
Authors: Lisa M Jacola; Heather M Conklin; Matthew A Scoggins; Jason M Ashford; Thomas E Merchant; Belinda N Mandrell; Robert J Ogg; Elizabeth Curtis; Merrill S Wise; Daniel J Indelicato; Valerie M Crabtree Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2016-05-16