OBJECTIVE: To describe neuropsychological functioning (with a specific focu
s on cognition and memory) after surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas.
METHODS: Sixteen patients who were between 6 and 15 years of age at the tim
e of surgery comprised the sample. Each child had been treated for a cranio
pharyngioma with surgery only, on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Protocol 92-
077.
RESULTS: The overall level of cognitive functioning was well within the ave
rage range, with both language and visuospatial functioning being generally
intact; however, specific memory problems, in both the language and visuos
patial domains, were evident.
CONCLUSION: Although general cognitive functioning was intact after the sur
gical treatment of craniopharyngiomas, difficulties in the retrieval of lea
rned information were observed. Neuropsychological assessments, with a focu
s on memory recall, should be a component of the medical management plan fo
r each child.