Memory deficits among children with craniopharyngiomas

Citation
Sc. Carpentieri et al., Memory deficits among children with craniopharyngiomas, NEUROSURGER, 49(5), 2001, pp. 1053-1057
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Neurology,"Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
NEUROSURGERY
ISSN journal
0148396X → ACNP
Volume
49
Issue
5
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1053 - 1057
Database
ISI
SICI code
0148-396X(200111)49:5<1053:MDACWC>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
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.