Dysarthria and dysphagia as long-term sequelae in a child treated for posterior fossa tumour

Pediatr Rehabil. 2003 Apr-Jun;6(2):67-75. doi: 10.1080/1363849031000139289.

Abstract

The current case report provides a comprehensive description of the persistent dysarthria and dysphagia evident in a 7.5 year old child treated for recurrent posterior fossa tumour (PFT). AC was assessed on a comprehensive perceptual and instrumental test battery incorporating all components of the speech production system (respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation and prosody) 2 years and 4 months following completion of her treatment. The nature of her swallowing impairment was investigated through the use of videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (VFS). A mild dysarthria with ataxic and LMN components was identified, although overall speech intelligibility was not affected. A moderate dysphagia was also identified with impairment in all three phases of the swallowing process; oral preparatory, oral and pharyngeal. Dysarthria and dysphagia as persistent sequelae in children treated for PFT have implications for the long-term management of these children. The need for appropriate treatment regimes, as well as pre-surgical counselling regarding dysarthria and dysphagia as possible outcomes following surgery are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Astrocytoma / complications
  • Astrocytoma / drug therapy
  • Astrocytoma / surgery*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Dysarthria / etiology*
  • Ependymoma / complications*
  • Ependymoma / surgery*
  • Ependymoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / complications
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / complications
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / surgery
  • Papilledema / drug therapy
  • Papilledema / radiotherapy
  • Papilledema / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications