What is posteria fossa syndrome?

Surgery in the areas to the rear of the skull, also known as the posterior fossa or cerebellum, can cause long lasting negative effects in children. These effects are collectively known as Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (CMS) or Posterior Fossa Syndrome.

Posteria fossa syndrome develops in around 25% of children with medulloblastoma, with symptoms generally appearing one to three days after surgery. Symptoms can continue for months to years and can vary from child to child. The following symptoms are only a guide, but may include:

• weakness in one side of the body
• loss of speech
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• facial paralysis on one side
• poor balance (ataxia)

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