Narrative Ability in Swedish Children Treated for Posterior Fossa Tumours: Macro‐ and Microstructural Performance Before and 1–4 Weeks After Surgery

What is already known on this subject Previous studies have described speech, language and/or communication difficulties following posterior fossa tumour surgery, particularly in association with cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS). One aspect of language that may be affected is narrative ability, which can be analysed at two levels: the macrostructural level (content) and the microstructural level (form). Still, little is known about narrative ability in children with posterior fossa tumours (PFT), although a small study based on postoperative data has shown microstructural difficulties in children undergoing PFT surgery. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Our study adds new knowledge about language profiles in children with PFT, showing that they have narrative difficulties at macro- as well as at microstructural levels, present both pre- and postoperatively. These difficulties are most evident among older children and show individual variability. We did not find more pronounced difficulties in the small group of children with CMS compared with the other children undergoing PFT surgery. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings underline the importance of including narrative assessment in the evaluation and follow-up of children treated for PFT. Assessing macro- and microstructural aspects together with motor-speech evaluation can help identify children in need of interventions. Regular follow-up assessments are essential, as narrative difficulties may become more apparent as language and cognitive demands increase.