Cognitive dysfunction is a common complication in primary or metastatic brain tumors and can be correlated to disease itself or various treatment modalities. The symptoms of cognitive deficits may include problems with memory, attention and information processing. Primary brain tumors are highly associated with neurocognitive deficit and poor quality of life. This review discusses the pathophysiology, risk factors and assessment of cognitive dysfunction. It also gives an overview of the effect of anesthetics on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and its management.
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