Preoperative and postoperative cognitive functioning in patients with frontal meningiomas

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurosurgery
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Intracranial meningiomas, particularly frontal ones, can affect cognitive function.
• Limited data exists on the specific cognitive deficits and their progression after treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate cognitive functioning in patients with frontal meningiomas before and after surgical resection.
• To identify potential cognitive impairments or improvements associated with meningioma treatment.

Main Methods:

• Neuropsychological assessment of 54 frontal meningioma patients pre- and post-surgery (4-9 months interval).
• Standardized tests evaluated memory, attention, visuoconstruction, and executive functions.
• Comparison with 54 healthy controls and analysis of factors like tumor lateralization and size.

Main Results:

• No significant cognitive differences were found in memory, visuoconstruction, or executive functions post-surgery.
• A notable improvement in attentional functions was observed after surgery.
• Working memory showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

• Surgical removal of frontal meningiomas does not lead to lasting cognitive deficits.
• Patients may experience enhanced attentional functions following surgical intervention.
• Frontal meningioma treatment appears safe for cognitive health.