Pediatric brain tumor rehabilitation

Children with brain tumors experience significant functional deficits related to the primary disease process and also as a consequence of its treatment. As in adults, childhood brain tumors represent a heterogeneous group of tumors, which vary in pathologic characteristics, tumor biology, response to therapy, anatomic location, and age at diagnosis. With the advances in diagnostic strategies, neurosurgical techniques and therapeutic trials over the last 30 years, a greater proportion of these children are surviving into adulthood. Accompanying this survival, knowledge and intervention regarding long-term effects and the consequences of functional deficits on independent living is necessary. Involvement of a pediatric physiatrist throughout the course of disease, from diagnosis through survivorship, assists in optimizing functional independence and quality of life for children with brain tumors.