Clinical challenges of craniopharyngioma: Neurobehavioral sequelae and complex outcomes

Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor with solid or mixed solid-cystic epithelial material found within the pituitary stalk hollow. These tumors have the capacity to impact hormonal regulation of hunger and thirst, kidney function, thyroid regulation, and adrenal gland management. It can occur at any age but most commonly presents in childhood from 5-14 year of age, with a second peak incidence in middle adulthood. Too often Patients with these tumors are often misdiagnosed until the size of the tumor aggressively infiltrates the region producing medical to neurological dysregulation. The current case highlights the complexity of measured outcomes with childhood onset. The case is further compared to two clinical samples for demonstration of impairment. Unfortunately, the damage caused from these tumors is life long and often requires significant supports and services. The goal is establishing and maintaining medical, neurological, and neurobehavioral stability with a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation level of care.