Affiliations: Department of Clinical PM&R and Clinical
Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's
Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA | Department of PM&R, University of Michigan
School of Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, USA | Department of Clinical PM&R and Clinical
Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine,
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USA | Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland,
Oakland, CA, USA
Abstract: Children with brain tumors experience significant functional
deficits related to the primary disease process and also as a consequence of
its treatment. As in adults, childhood brain tumors represent a heterogeneous
group of tumors, which vary in pathologic characteristics, tumor biology,
response to therapy, anatomic location, and age at diagnosis. With the advances
in diagnostic strategies, neurosurgical techniques and therapeutic trials over
the last 30 years, a greater proportion of these children are surviving into
adulthood. Accompanying this survival, knowledge and intervention regarding
long-term effects and the consequences of functional deficits on independent
living is necessary. Involvement of a pediatric physiatrist throughout the
course of disease, from diagnosis through survivorship, assists in optimizing
functional independence and quality of life for children with brain tumors.
