Rapid recovery of motor and cognitive functions after resection of a right frontal lobe meningioma in a child.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide longitudinal data on neurological and neuropsychological restitution following resection of an extra-axial space-occupying lesion.

CASE REPORT: A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was utilised preoperatively and 1, 4, 11, and 24 months, respectively, after removal of a parasagittal meningioma compressing the right frontal lobe in a right-handed 6-year-old boy with average intelligence.

RESULTS

Symptoms related to brain compression (left-sided hemiparesis, diplopia) resolved shortly after surgery. Recovery of specific cognitive functions (short- and long-term memory, attention, and dichotic listening performance) was more protracted.

CONCLUSION

Here, we illustrate the potential of a structured follow-up analysis, based on neuropsychological testing. We were able to distinguish separate time-courses for neurological functions but even more distinct within complex neuropsychological processes. This time-dependent recovery should be considered when designing longitudinal follow-up studies.