Open AccessNeurodevelopmental impact on children treated for medulloblastoma: A review and proposed conceptual model
Author(s) -
Palmer Shawna L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
developmental disabilities research reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1940-5529
pISSN - 1940-5510
DOI - 10.1002/ddrr.32
Subject(s) - medulloblastoma , neuropsychology , survivorship curve , cognition , medicine , population , psychology , pediatrics , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , pathology , environmental health
The population of survivors following diagnosis and treatment for medulloblastoma is thankfully on the rise. An increased focus on the quality of that survivorship has expanded the concept of cure to include efforts aimed at improving long‐term cognitive outcome. It is well established in the literature that decline in overall intellect and academic performance is experienced by a majority of those undergoing treatment for pediatric medulloblastoma. This decline is believed to be secondary to decline in core cognitive abilities, which in turn are related to underlying damage to neuroanatomical substrates. A review of research on neurodevelopmental impacts following diagnosis and treatment for pediatric medulloblastoma is presented. Particular consideration is given to studies recently published that also reflect critical collaboration among those within the fields of neuropsychology and neuro‐imaging. Results from the review are combined within a conceptual model upon which to guide future research and clinical efforts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:203–210.