title: Cerebellar mutism after posterior fossa tumor resection: case discussion and recommendations for psychoeducational intervention.
abstract: Cerebellar mutism (also known as posterior fossa syndrome) is a relatively common complication of posterior fossa surgery for primary brain tumors in children. Many children with cerebellar mutism experience long-term adverse neurological, cognitive, and psychological sequelae and require extensive interdisciplinary support. This study illustrates a typical case of cerebellar mutism in a child after resection of medulloblastoma, followed by a review of associated symptoms, clinical course, and modulating factors. Additionally, recommendations for providing educational support to children with cerebellar mutism are explored.
authors.affiliation: 1Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Northman
authors.forename: Marybeth
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Nicole J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Ullrich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015192:Infratentorial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009155:Mutism / Q000209:etiology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*
keywords: cerebellar mutism syndrome; neurocognitive function; posterior fossa syndrome; posterior fossa tumor; psychoeducation; speech disorder