The incidence of brain metastases (BM) has increased due to the improvement of therapeutics and diagnostic imaging, but also to an aging population. The initial symptoms may develop suddenly or insidiously over weeks or months. The symptoms depend on the location of the BM and related complications (hydrocephalus, tumor hemorrhage, cerebral herniation). Headaches are the most frequent symptoms (50%); they are related to intracranial hypertension. Cognitive deficits are commonly described at diagnosis (67 to 90.5%). Cognitive assessment is essential because of its impact on patients' prognosis and quality of life. Nevertheless, these deficits remain underestimated. The Karnofsky Perfomance Scale and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) seem inadequate. A short battery was proposed and internationally validated, assessing seven domains: attention (Digit Symbol Test WAIS-III), episodic memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test [HVLT]), working memory (Digit Span Test WAIS-III), verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test [COWA]), fine motor dexterity (Grooved Pegboard Test), information processing speed (Trail Making Test [TMT] A) and executive functions (TMT B). This battery is relevant, feasible and associated with a good compliance. These cognitive tests are currently recommended to assess cognitive functions in patients with BM.
Keywords: cognitive deficits; cognitive tests; headaches; intracranial hypertension.