Differential Language Outcomes in Children Following Treatment for Posterior-Fossa Tumors

Twenty children who had been treated for posterior fossa tumour at least 12 months prior to their involvement in the present study were administered a battery of language tests. Six children experienced surgery as the only form of tumour treatment, and 14 children received central nervous system prophylaxis following craniotomy. Examination of their individual language abilities demonstrated that the nature and severity of language deficits following treatment for a posterior fossa tumour vary widely, ranging from above-average language abilities to marked global language problems. The influence of variables such as tumour type, surgical complications, the need for radiotherapy, age at diagnosis, and the presence of associated hydrocephalus on chronic language abilities is discussed