Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy
Published on: November 3, 2016
Catatonia associated with pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome
Walter Jaimes-Albornoz1, Peter Wu2, Lydia García de Mendaza-Martínez de Icaya1
1Psychiatry Service, Donostia University Hospital, Basque Health Service-Osakidetza, Paseo del Dr. Beguiristain 117, CP, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain.
Insights
Catatonia is common in pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (PPCMS). This study found most PPCMS patients exhibit catatonic symptoms, particularly the stuporous type, requiring prompt assessment and management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuropsychiatry
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Pediatric Postoperative Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (PPCMS) is a complex condition following cerebellar tumor resection.
- Catatonia, a neuropsychiatric disorder, has been an under-recognized feature in PPCMS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the prevalence and characteristics of catatonia in pediatric patients diagnosed with PPCMS.
- To evaluate the diagnostic criteria met by PPCMS patients exhibiting catatonic phenomena.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted on case reports of PPCMS patients (0-17 years).
- Clinical data was extracted to identify catatonic phenomena, and standardized rating scales (Bush-Francis, PCRS, ICD-11, DSM-5) were applied retrospectively.
Main Results:
- 119 PPCMS cases were analyzed, with all meeting Bush-Francis criteria for catatonia.
- Mutism was universal; common symptoms included immobility/stupor (77.3%) and withdrawal (35.3%).
- Stuporous catatonia predominated (75.6%), often associated with medulloblastoma resection and preoperative hydrocephalus.
Conclusions:
- Catatonia is a frequent and significant feature of PPCMS, predominantly presenting as the stuporous subtype.
- Early consideration and validated assessment tools are crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of catatonia in PPCMS.
Objective:
To ascertain the presence of catatonia in cases of pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (PPCMS).
Method:
A systematic review of PPCMS case reports of patients aged 0-17 years with sufficient clinical information to extract catatonic phenomena was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. Standardized catatonia rating scales were applied to selected cases retrospectively to ascertain whether diagnostic criteria for catatonia were met. A case known to the authors is also presented.
Results:
Two hundred twenty-one suitable full-text articles were identified. Following screening and application of inclusion criteria, 51 articles were selected plus seven more from their references, reporting on 119 subjects. All cases met Bush and Francis (BF) diagnostic criteria for catatonia, 92.5% Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scale (PCRS), 52.9% ICD-11, and 44.5% DSM-5. All patients presented with mutism. The next most frequent signs were immobility/stupor (77.3%), withdrawal (35.3%), mannerisms (23.5%), and excitement/agitation (18.5%). Most cases presented with stuporous catatonia (75.6%). Catatonia most frequently occurred following resection of medulloblastoma (64.7%). Preoperative hydrocephalus occurred in 89 patients (74.8%).
Conclusion:
Catatonia was frequent in this PPCMS sample, with a predominant stuporous variant; it should be considered in patients with PPCMS and assessed with reliable and validated instruments for prompt diagnosis and management.
