Citation

Nakaji P, Meltzer HS, Singel SA, Alksne JF. Pediatrics 2003; 112(5): e430.

Affiliation

Division of Neurosurgery, University of California at San Diego, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14595088

Abstract

Seizures associated with temporal lobe tumors may rarely manifest as episodic aggressive behavior. We describe 2 cases involving pediatric patients who presented with histories of unusually aggressive and antisocial behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging identified right mesial temporal lobe masses in both patients. After craniotomy for tumor removal, both patients were seizure-free and had marked reductions in their aggressive behavior. Tumors in the temporal lobe may be associated with behavioral problems, including aggression and rage attacks, which can be alleviated with surgical intervention. It is important to distinguish this subgroup of pediatric patients from those with alternative diagnoses such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.

Language: en