The use of neuropsychological data to detect altered neurological functioning in a child with myelomeningocele

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1993 Dec;14(6):401-4.

Abstract

Although children with myelomeningocele often display atypical patterns on psychometric testing, this case study demonstrates the sensitivity of neuropsychological instruments to detect altered neurological functioning in a patient with spina bifida. The subject had a history of myelomeningocele at the lumbosacral level and placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. During a routine neuropsychological evaluation, a 44-point discrepancy between his verbal (verbal IQ = 98) and nonverbal abilities (performance IQ = 54) on the Wechsler Intelligence for Children-Revised was found. In comparison to high average academic achievement, test findings suggested depressed memory skills and extreme slowing in psychomotor speed. A pattern of acute decline in overall cognitive functioning was suggested. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left frontoparietal brain mass, which was surgically removed. Follow-up neuropsychological testing 9 months postsurgery indicated an increase in nonverbal intelligence with improved psychomotor speed and information processing. This case study illustrates the importance of obtaining baseline evaluations in this neurologically high-risk population as well as the clinical usefulness of psychometric data in diagnostic workups.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Child
  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Learning Disabilities / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Meningomyelocele / diagnosis*
  • Meningomyelocele / rehabilitation
  • Neurologic Examination*
  • Neuropsychological Tests* / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / rehabilitation