What question did this study set out to answer?

To describe the presentation of truncal ataxia in a child as a sign of a pilocytic astrocytoma.

July 7, 2026Open Access

Acute Truncal Ataxia After a Minor Head Trauma Revealing a Pediatric Cerebellar Pilocytic Astrocytoma

CPConnor Peeples CPChaitali ParikhCrossLife Technologies (United States)MMMelody L MillironAllegheny Health Network

Key Points

To describe the presentation of truncal ataxia in a child as a sign of a pilocytic astrocytoma.
Case report of a three-year-old girl with acute truncal ataxia after a trampoline fall.
Imaging studies including non-contrast CT and MRI to identify the brain lesion.
Surgical resection of the tumor without residual on postoperative imaging.
CT showed a hypodense lesion in the left cerebellum.
MRI revealed a 3.5-cm mass consistent with pilocytic astrocytoma.
Postoperative imaging indicated complete resolution of truncal ataxia symptoms.

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytomas are low‑grade benign pediatric brain tumors that most commonly arise in the cerebellum and typically present with symptoms related to impaired coordination or increased intracranial pressure. We report the case of a three‑year‑old girl with no prior neurologic history who presented to the emergency department (ED) after a fall from a trampoline. Neurologic examination was notable for right‑sided truncal ataxia without additional focal weakness or sensory deficits. Non‑contrast computed tomography (CT) of the head demonstrated a hypodense lesion in the left cerebellum with trace hyperdensity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3.5‑cm left cerebellar mass consistent with a pilocytic astrocytoma. The patient underwent surgical resection with no residual tumor on postoperative imaging and complete resolution of truncal ataxia symptoms on follow‑up.

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