Rapid recovery of motor and cognitive functions after resection of a right frontal lobe meningioma in a child.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to provide longitudinal data on neurological and neuropsychological restitution following resection of an extra-axial space-occupying lesion.


METHODS
A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was utilised preoperatively and 1, 4, 11, and 24 months, respectively, after removal of a parasagittal meningioma compressing the right frontal lobe in a right-handed 6-year-old boy with average intelligence.


RESULTS
Symptoms related to brain compression (left-sided hemiparesis, diplopia) resolved shortly after surgery. Recovery of specific cognitive functions (short- and long-term memory, attention, and dichotic listening performance) was more protracted.


CONCLUSIONS
Here, we illustrate the potential of a structured follow-up analysis, based on neuropsychological testing. We were able to distinguish separate time-courses for neurological functions but even more distinct within complex neuropsychological processes. This time-dependent recovery should be considered when designing longitudinal follow-up studies.
Carlsson
Göran
G
Department of Paediatrics, University of Schleswig-Holstein/Campus Kiel, Schwanenweg, Germany. gcarlsson@pediatrics.uni-kiel.de
Hufnagel
Markus
M
Jansen
Olav
O
Claviez
Alexander
A
Nabavi
Arya
A
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008579:Meningioma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors