What are typical symptoms of posterior fossa tumors?

• A. Hearing loss
• B. Seizures
• C. Memory loss
• D. Ataxia and dysmetria with hydrocephalus signs

Answer: (D)

Posterior fossa tumors primarily affect the cerebellum and brainstem, so the hallmark symptoms arise from cerebellar dysfunction and potential obstruction of CSF flow. The cerebellum coordinates movement, so these tumors often cause ataxia—unsteady, wide-based gait—and dysmetria, where reaching or aiming movements are inaccurately judged, sometimes with an intention tremor and nystagmus. If the tumor blocks the fourth ventricle, hydrocephalus can develop, bringing signs of increased intracranial pressure such as headache, nausea and vomiting, and papilledema. Hearing loss or seizures can occur with specific lesions in the region, but the most typical combination centers on cerebellar signs plus features of raised ICP when CSF flow is impeded.