Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) malignancies (i.e. brain and spine tumors) and their
treatments can result in a multitude of neurologic deficits. Patients with CNS malignancies
experience physical, cognitive, and psychosocial sequelae that can impact their mobility
and quality of life. Neurorehabilitation can play a critical role in maintaining independence,
preventing disability, and optimizing safety with activities of daily living. This
review provides an overview of the neurorehabilitation approaches for patients with
CNS malignancies, neurologic impairments frequently treated, and rehabilitation interventions
in various health care settings. In addition, we will highlight rehabilitative outcomes
between patients with nononcologic neurologic conditions compared to brain and spine
tumors. Finally, we address medical challenges that may impact rehabilitation care
in these medically complex cancer patients.
Keywords
CNS malignancies - brain tumors - spine tumors - cancer rehabilitation - neurorehabilitation