A pediatric patient with a craniopharyngioma should be carefully evaluated prior to starting and during an exercise program.
Problems faced by a pediatric patient with craniopharyngioma may include:
(1) obesity, with reduced resting and total energy expenditure
(2) daytime sleepiness
(3) decreased physical activity
(4) neurological deficits
(5) visual deficits
(6) psychosocial difficulties, including difficulty in controlling emotions
(7) impaired mobility
(8) self-consciousness about appearance
(9) diabetes insipidus
(10) easy fatigability
(11) impaired temperature regulation
(12) impaired regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
Medications should be reviewed.
(1) A patient may be taking dextroamphetamine for weight reduction and decreased daytime sleepiness.
(2) Melatonin may improve physical activity.
The patient may benefit from monitored exercise with control of the environment to reduce the risk of injury and to ensure compliance.
