Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour - a reversible cause of neuroregression in children

Abstract

Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumour (DNET) is a rare brain tumour commonly involving the temporal lobe and presenting with intractable seizures. However, neuroregression as a presenting feature of DNET is uncommon. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy with DNET arising from the parietal lobe presenting with intractable seizures & neuroregression. The child was subjected to neurosurgical resection of the lesion following which he made a full recovery. A review after surgery showed his epilepsy under control with good progress in scholastic, social adaptive and motor skills. This is the third report in literature of DNET surgery producing epilepsy control and reversing milestone regression. This demonstrates Epilepsy Surgery as a powerful tool in combatting neuro-regression secondary to lesional epilepsy.