Advances on cerebellar mutism syndrome in children after posterior fossa tumor surgery

Abstract

Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a prevalent postoperative complication in children following posterior fossa tumor surgery, with a significantly variable incidence rate across different pathological types of tumors, being highest in medulloblastoma (24%-30%). The pathogenesis of CMS remains to be elucidated, but it is believed to be associated with damage to the cerebellocerebral circuits, harm to the fastigial nuclei of cerebellum and periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain, and alterations in brain networks. Predictive models constructed based on the risk factors of CMS have not yet demonstrated the anticipated stability and have not been widely adopted in clinical settings. Pharmacological treatments are primarily based on clinical experience, yet their efficacy requires further validation, hence there is currently a lack of a clearly effective treatment method; non⁃pharmacological treatments, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, have shown some effect on improving the long ⁃ term quality of life. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and therapeutic advances of CMS, and future research should be dedicated to exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms of CMS, constructing more accurate predictive models, devising personalized treatment plans, and enhancing the long⁃term prognosis for children.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2024.09.004