Brainstem Gliomas

Abstract

Pediatric brainstem gliomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from either the midbrain, pons, or medulla. These tumors make up between 10 and 20 % of all pediatric central nervous system tumors (Jallo et al. 2004; Gilbertson et al. 2003). In the United States, this means that there are approximately 350 new cases each year (Khatua et al. 2011). The serious symptoms and signs produced by these tumors, which range from isolated specific cranial nerve palsies to quadriparesis, are a consequence of the many important neurologic pathways that originate or pass through the brainstem.