Neuropsychological assessment of an 8-year-old child following excision of a right temporal lobe oligodendroglioma

Abstract

A case of right temporal lobe oligodendroglioma in an 8-year-old female is reported. This case is unusual, because of the rarity of this type of tumour in children, because it was accompanied by seizure activity which is atypical, and because it highlights the difficulties in diagnosis. Prior to diagnosis, the background had included normal early development, followed by gradual development of partial complex seizures with poor response to medication in the absence of clear findings on EEG or CT. Considered to have been present prior to 1 year of age, the tumour was purported to be the aetiological base for seizure activity, which ceased after surgical excision. Post-surgical difficulties with academic progress and behaviour resulted in referral for neuropsychological evaluation, which revealed lowered overall cognitive functioning with deficits in processing speed, abstract verbal reasoning, concept formation, visual perception, visual reasoning, scanning, attention, memory, academic attainment and learning, and clerical motor speed. Behavioural functioning revealed impairment in social skills, irritability, impulsivity, and mood changes. The relative contributions of medication (adverse reaction and toxicity), long term seizure activity, early age of onset, and presence/ excision of tumour are difficult to ascertain specifically. Findings appear consistent with those of right temporal lobe brain injury.

• Oligodendroglioma;Right Temporal Lobe Tumour;Neoplasm;Partial Complex Seizure;Child Brain Injury;Neuropsychological Assessment