Definition
The posterior fossa is a relatively small intracranial cavity that contains the brainstem and cerebellum and is located between the foramen magnum and tentorium cerebelli (Herrlinger et al. 2005). The posterior boundaries of the fossa extend anteriorly to the temporal lobe and posteriorly to the occipital lobe. Tumors that manifest themselves in this cavity are precarious because the small, enclosed space is proximal to critical brain structures, particularly the cranial nerves. Gliomas and medulloblastomas that infiltrate the posterior fossa often obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in increased intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus. Furthermore, patients with posterior fossa tumors can present with headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
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Herrlinger, U., Steinbrecher, A., Rieger, J., Hau, P., Kortmann, R. D., Meyermann, R., et al. (2005). Adult medulloblastoma: Prognostic factors and response to therapy at diagnosis and at relapse. Journal of Neurology, 252, 291–299.
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Goldstein, B. (2018). Posterior Fossa. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_148
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_148
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