Mutism after cerebellar medulloblastoma surgery.

The case of a 9-year-old boy is presented, who developed transient mutism after removal of a medulloblastoma in the region of the cerebellar vermis. The mutism disappeared within 6 months. Neither reduction of consciousness nor disturbances of caudal cranial nerves or phonation ever appeared. The case is discussed with regard to its phenomenology, pathogenesis, and etiology, corresponding case reports are also taken into consideration.