Rehabilitation of children after surgery for grade I cerebral astrocytoma

Abstract

Astrocytomas are considered the most common brain tumor in children and young adults. These affect areas such as the cerebellum, the brain stem, the hypothalamus and the optic pathway, the optic chiasm, around the third ventricle and the tectum region or quadrigeminal plate; likewise, they cause hydrocephalus by obliterating the Silvian aqueduct. They constitute about 30% and 50% of all primary tumors in these ages; they are almost always benign and circumscribed, with a five-year survival after complete resection in more than 85% of cases. The objective of this paper was to describe the clinical evolution of a patient, through functional exploration, after a rehabilitative intervention of several cycles. The case of a 7-year-old schoolboy was reported. He was operated on for grade I astrocytoma, and suffered different septic complications. After the operation, he remained in a minimal state of consciousness, for which he was evaluated at the Institute of Oncology, where he was treated with conventional radiotherapy. He was referred to Julio Díaz Rehabilitation Hospital for evaluation and treatment; from the first sessions he showed positive responses to the therapy. Rehabilitation, with a multidisciplinary and long-term approach, is important to guarantee the quality of life of these patients and their families.