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Cause and outcome of cerebellar mutism: evidence from a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

Cerebellar mutism is a serious neurosurgical complication after posterior fossa surgery, but the cause, incidence and outcome remain incompletely defined. The aim of this paper was to identify and review all reports of this phenomenon to better delineate and improve the evidence base.

Methods

A systematic search and retrieval of databases was conducted using advanced search techniques. Review/outcomes criteria were developed, and study quality was determined.

Results

The retrieval identified 2,281 papers of which 96 were relevant, identifying 650 children with cerebellar mutism. Causative factors, clinical features and outcomes were reported variably; papers focussed on multiple areas, the majority reporting incidence in single or series of case studies with little or no analysis further than description.

Conclusions

The complexity and variability of data reporting, likely contributing factors and outcomes make cerebellar mutism difficult to predict in incidence and the degree of impact that may ensue. A clear and accepted universal definition would help improve reporting, as would the application of agreed outcome measures. Clear and consistent reporting of surgical technique remains absent. Recommendations for practice are provided.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to give their full thanks to the candlelighters, Elizabeth Neilly and Jenny Makeham. Financial support was received from the Candlelighters charity.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Neuropsychology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    Rosa Reed-Berendt, Ellen Hughes & Matthew C. H. J. Morrall

  2. Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    Bob Phillips & Susan Picton

  3. Paediatric Neurosurgery, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    Paul Chumas

  4. Neuroradiology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    Daniel Warren

  5. Paediatric Neurology, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK

    John H. Livingston

Authors
  1. Rosa Reed-Berendt
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  2. Bob Phillips
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  3. Susan Picton
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  4. Paul Chumas
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  5. Daniel Warren
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  6. John H. Livingston
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  7. Ellen Hughes
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  8. Matthew C. H. J. Morrall
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew C. H. J. Morrall.

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Reed-Berendt, R., Phillips, B., Picton, S. et al. Cause and outcome of cerebellar mutism: evidence from a systematic review. Childs Nerv Syst 30, 375–385 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2356-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2356-0

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