[Cognitive and affective disturbances in children after surgical treatment of cerebellar tumors].
OBJECTIVE
The cerebellum has been associated with motor control, but more recent studies have extended its contribution to other functions, such as modulation of emotions, behavioral organization or language. The cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome was described primarily in adults. In children, cerebellar lesions are relatively frequent and some are due to neoplasm.


METHODS
Cognitive and emotional functions were studied in 66 children who underwent surgery for cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Children Memorial Health Institute. 36 children were psychologically examined and parents of 66 children filled in a questionnaire, answering questions about children's linguistic functioning, emotion regulation and ability to initiate, organize and efficiently realize various activities.


RESULTS
The disturbances in the initiation and realization of activities were reported most often (77%). Problems in emotional regulation were noticed in 65% of children and were characterized by disinhibition, impulsivity and irritability. Language difficulties were observed in 42%. No significant differences between groups of children with different localization of tumor (vermis or cerebellar hemisphere) were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study confirms the psychological deficits following cerebellar lesion in children, similar to the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome reported in adult patients.
Zakład Psychologii Klinicznej, Instytut Pomnik--Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka W Warszawie. amaryniak@poczta.wp.pl
Agnieszka
A
Maryniak
Marcin
M
Roszkowski
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011044:Poland; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*