Transient cerebellar eye closure (TCES) is a complication of cerebellar tumor surgery in children and is almost exclusively observed in the context of the syndrome of mutism and subsequent dysarthria. As knowledge about the course of transient cerebellar eye closure is absent, we describe in detail the clinical picture in a 14-year-old girl. The process of improvement of TCES is characterized by four distinct phases, can last more than 1 month and may be associated with severe persistent cerebellar dysfunction.

Keywords:
Transient eye closure, Mutism, Medulloblastoma, Cerebellar surgery
1.
Nashold BS, Slaughter DG: Effects of stimulating or destroying the deep cerebellar regions in man. J Neurosurg 1969;31:172–186.
2.
Gaskill SJ, Marlin AE: Transient eye closure after posterior fossa tumor surgery in children. Pediatr Neurosurg 1991–92;17:196–198.
3.
Van Dongen HR, Catsman-Berrevoets CE, Van Mourik M: The syndrome of cerebellar mutism and subsequent dysarthria. Neurology 1994;44:2040–2046.
4.
Pollack IF, Polinko P, Albright AL, Towbin R, Fitz C: Mutism and pseudobulbar symptoms after resection of posterior fossa tumors in children: Incidence and pathophysiology. Neurosurgery 1995;37:885–893.
5.
Siffert J, Poussaint TY, Goumnerova LC, Scott RM, LaValley B, Tarbell NJ, Pomeroy SL: Neurological dysfunction associated with postoperative cerebellar mutism. J Neurooncol 2000;48:75–81.
6.
Darley FL, Aronson AE, Brown JR: Differential diagnostic patterns of dysarthria. J Speech Hear Res 1969;12:246–269.
7.
Humphrey RP: Mutism after posterior fossa surgery; in Marlin AE (ed): Concepts in Pediatric Neurosurgery. Basel, Karger, 1989, pp 57–64.
8.
Riva D: The cerebellum contributes to higher cognitive and social behaviour in childhood: Evidence from acquired cerebellar lesions; in Riva D, Benton A (eds): Localization of Brain Lesions and Developmental Functions. London, Libbey, 2000, pp 151–160.
9.
Goldstein JE, Cogan DS: Apraxia of eyelid opening. Arch Ophthalmol 1965;73:155–159.
10.
Algoed L, Janssens J, Vanhooren G: Apraxia of eyelid opening secondary to right frontal infarction. Acta Neurol Belg 1992;92:228–233.
11.
Smith D, Ishikawa T, Dhawan V, Winterkorn JS, Eidelberg D: Lid opening apraxia is associated with medial frontal hypometabolism. Mov Disord 1995;10:341–344.
12.
Van Mourik M, Catsman-Berrevoets CE, Van Dongen HR, Neville BG: Complex orofacial movements and the disappearance of cerebellar mutism. Report of five cases. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:686–690.
© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
2003
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.