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  • Title: Pediatric posterior fossa syndrome (PFS): nursing strategies in the post-operative period.
    Author: Parent E, Scott L.
    Journal: Can J Neurosci Nurs; 2011; 33(2):24-31. PubMed ID: 21977769.
    Abstract:
    Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS), or cerebellar affective syndrome, is a severe and distressing complication that may occur in up to 40% of children following posterior fossa brain tumour resection. Depending on the type, size and location of the tumour, clinical presentations of PFS can vary widely. Patients may exhibit mutism, emotional lability, high-pitched crying (sole form of vocalization), poor oral intake, extreme irritability, decreased motor movements and urinary retention. Typically, the onset of the syndrome occurs one to five days after surgery resulting in a devastating situation for patients and families. PFS may persist up to four months with resultant long-term impairments and permanent disability. The development and initiation of nursing strategies for patients with PFS is critical. They support family coping decrease stress and anxiety after surgery and, ultimately, enable optimal patient and family outcomes. By managing acute symptoms, promoting rehabilitation and initiating strategies to restore behavioural and physiological function, neurosurgical nurses play an essential and instrumental role.
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