Affiliations: [a] Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia | [b] Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia | [c] Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, QLD, Australia | [d] Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Emma Finch, Division of Speech Pathology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Tel.: +61 7 3896 3133; E-mail: e.whiting@uq.edu.au
Abstract: Background:Language function is susceptible to the effects of brain tumours during both the tumour growth phase and during neurosurgical resection. Aim:This paper aimed to systematically review existing literature to determine the current status of knowledge about language outcomes following neurosurgery. Methods:A systematic review was conducted involving a detailed literature search using online databases, quality assessment of relevant articles and data extraction. Results:Of the 1449 articles retrieved, nine articles satisfied the study criteria. Overall, these studies reported variable patterns of language function post-surgery, however, there was a trend towards an early post-surgical decline in language function that greatly improved by 3 months. The likelihood of developing post-surgical communication impairments was influenced by a number of factors including pre-operative aphasia and the identification of sub-cortical language tracts inside the tumour margin, however, further research is required to fully elucidate pertinent predictors. Conclusion:These findings have implications for rehabilitation programs following brain tumour surgery and suggest that there are a number of key gaps warranting further investigation.
Keywords: Brain tumour, aphasia, language, language impairment, neurosurgery, systematic review
