Cognitive functions in school-age children survived cerebellar tumor

Context and relevance. Cerebellar tumors often negatively affect cognitive development and learning abilities in children. Objective. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of cerebellar cancer on the cognitive functions such as attention, visual-spatial memory, and planning in children. Methods and materials. A total of 322 children (8–17 y.o.), 118 of whom survived cerebellar tumors, participated in the study. Cognitive tasks were assessed using CANTAB. Results. We observed less abilities in attention and working memory and described clinical factors which influenced to performance of school-age children after treatment. Conclusions. Our findings emphasize the necessity of considering these deficits in cerebellar tumor survivors when designing rehabilitation protocols.

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