Clinical rehabilitation assessment: Methodological aspects

Brain tumors are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in childhood. In the past few decades, advances in therapy have prolonged survival which, however, is often associated to complex motor, sensory, endocrine, cognitive and psychological deficits significantly impacting on the patients' quality of life. Also, the family's reactions to the disease can influence the patient's global clinical conditions. The clinical assessment, the rehabilitation plan and evaluation of sequelae require a multidisciplinary approach. The initial multidisciplinary assessment allows identification of the primary objectives of the intensive rehabilitation program, as defined on the basis of the clinical evaluation. Treatment consists in providing the optimum level of support favoring brain recovery, preventing the onset or aggravation of a secondary damage, facilitating motor, cognitive and psychological development and learning as well as allowing the maximum functional recovery compatible with the current disability picture.