What is Dandy-Walker Syndrome in adults?
Dandy-Walker malformation affects brain development, primarily development of the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates movement. In individuals with this condition, various parts of the cerebellum develop abnormally, resulting in malformations that can be observed with medical imaging.
Can you live with Dandy-Walker Syndrome?
There are no two people in the world with Dandy-Walker that experience the same symptoms. Some people live their entire lives never knowing they have it. Babies die from unknown causes because they were born seemingly healthy at full term with never a suspicion that something was wrong.
When can Dandy-Walker Syndrome be diagnosed?
Diagnosis is normally made around 3-4 years of age, but symptoms can appear by age 1. They key is early intervention. Infants may first display signs of delayed motor development and a progressive skull enlargement.
Can alcohol cause Dandy-Walker Syndrome?
It is postulated that aberrant neuroglial tissue due to prenatal maternal alcohol ingestion may have caused the Dandy-Walker deformity.
What causes hydrocephalus in Dandy-Walker?
The Dandy-Walker syndrome is hydrocephalus associated with a posterior fossa cyst and abnormal development of the cerebellum, a portion of the brain located near the base of the skull and important to voluntary muscle movement, balance and posture.
Can Dandy Walker syndrome be cured?
Treatment for individuals with Dandy-Walker Syndrome generally consists of treating the associated problems, if needed. A surgical procedure called a shunt may be required to drain off excess fluid within the brain, which will reduce pressure inside the skull and improve symptoms.
Is Dandy Walker Syndrome progressive?
The syndrome can appear dramatically or develop unnoticed. Symptoms, which often occur in early infancy, include slow motor development and progressive enlargement of the skull.
How is Dandy Walker diagnosed?
Dandy Walker malformation is diagnosed with the use of ultrasound, CT and MRI. Prenatal diagnosis of Dandy-Walker malformation is sometimes made by ultrasound or fetal MRI.
Can Dandy-Walker syndrome be cured?
What causes Dandy Walker syndrome?
The exact cause of Dandy-Walker syndrome is not known. It is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although familial occurrence has been noted.
How is Dandy Walker syndrome diagnosed?
MRI – This has been noted as one of the best diagnostic exam for neurological or CNS related conditions.
What is Dandy Walker malformation?
Dandy Walker Malformation is a congenital (present at birth) malformation of the brain. It involves the cerebellum, which is the lower, hind portion of the brain.
What is Dandy Walker disease?
Dandy-Walker syndrome, also known as the Dandy-Walker malformation, is a rare, congenital hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain) that affects the cerebellum portion of the brain. The condition, which occurs in 1 in every 25,000 to 35,000 live births each year, causes different parts of the cerebellum to develop abnormally. 1