In this episode of Child Neurology Board Review Prep, we tackle key pediatric brain tumors through rapid-fire Q&A. We discuss ependymoma, optic nerve glioma, neurofibromatosis type 2, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma, and germinomas, covering clinical presentations, MRI findings, histological clues, and treatment strategies. Learn how tumor markers help diagnose germ cell tumors without a biopsy, and why steroids help brain tumors but not stroke or hydrocephalus. Tune in for essential board review insights!

Keywords:

• Ependymoma: vomiting, ataxia, hydrocephalus, fourth ventricle, CSF blockage, rosettes, MRI well-defined mass, surgery, radiation, spine metastasis.
• Optic Nerve Glioma: NF1, proptosis, vision loss, optic nerve tumor, MRI expanding optic nerve, capillary spads, lichen nodules, chemotherapy, monitoring.
• Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2): bilateral vestibular schwannoma, hearing loss, balance issues, ataxia, cranial nerve 8, merlin gene, MRI contrast, surgery, cochlear implants.
• Medulloblastoma: morning headache, vomiting, balance issues, fourth ventricle tumor, hydrocephalus, high-grade, cerebellar vermis, drop metastasis, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy.
• Craniopharyngioma: bitemporal hemianopia, short stature, hydrocephalus, calcified suprasellar tumor, Rathke’s pouch, MRI partially cystic tumor, hormone deficiencies, surgery, lifelong hormone therapy.
• Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET): intractable seizures, temporal lobe tumor, floating neurons, jelly-like mucin, MRI non-enhancing cystic mass, surgical cure.
• Germinoma: Parinaud syndrome, pineal mass, elevated beta-HCG, normal AFP, germ cell tumor, radiation, chemotherapy, MRI monitoring.
• Steroid Treatment in Brain Tumors: dexamethasone, vasogenic edema, swelling relief, pre-surgery, contraindicated in stroke, trauma, hydrocephalus.
• Ependymoma & Seizures: Rarely causes seizures, CSF blockage, headache, MRI fourth ventricle mass.
• Germ Cell Tumor Markers: Germinoma = mild beta-HCG, normal AFP. Yolk sac tumor = high AFP. Choriocarcinoma = high beta-HCG. Embryonal carcinoma = high AFP & beta-HCG.