CMS-01
INFLUENCE OF TUMOUR LOCATION ON LONG TERM ATAXIA FOLLOWING TREATMENT FOR A POSTERIOR FOSSA TUMOUR

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the influence of tumour location on persistent ataxia in children with posterior fossa tumours. METHODS: MRI imaging of 48 children was blindly reviewed by a Consultant Neurologist to classify tumour location (midline vs unilateral (including CP angle/cerebellar hemisphere). Tumour location was then examined in relation to SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) assessed 1 year or more post surgical resection. RESULTS: 48 children were included. 32 children were classified as having a midline tumour, the average SARA score for these children was 6.5 (range 0.5-28.5). 16 children were classified as having a non midline tumour, the average SARA score for this group was 2 (range 0-6). CONCLUSIONS: These results are suggestive that children with midline tumours may be more likely to present with more severe ataxia than non midline tumours. More detailed examination of tumour location/size may be of value to further identify risk factors and this could be compared with other studies that have looked at persistent impairment post resection in relation to damage to the deep cerebellar nuclei.