What does Dandy-Walker Syndrome look like?
The symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome typically include developmental delay, low tone (hypotonia) or later high tone (spasticity), poor coordination and balance (ataxia), and sometimes enlarged head circumference and increased pressure within the skull due to hydrocephalus.
Can Dandy-Walker Syndrome be misdiagnosed?
Some experts have noted that it may be fully formed by the end of 16 weeks gestation. However, while Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) has been diagnosed in the first trimester, a false-positive diagnosis can be made at gestational ages of less than 18 weeks.
How serious is Dandy-Walker Syndrome?
Rarely, people with Dandy-Walker malformation have no health problems related to the condition. Problems related to hydrocephalus or complications of its treatment are the most common cause of death in people with Dandy-Walker malformation.
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.
Can Dandy-Walker syndrome be cured?
Is there any treatment? 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. This will reduce intracranial pressure and help control swelling.
Is Dandy-Walker syndrome a birth defect?
The Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital (present at birth) defect affecting the cerebellum, the back part of the brain that controls movement, behavior and cognitive ability.
Can Dandy-Walker be seen on ultrasound?
True Dandy-Walker malformation (i.e., complete absence of the cerebellar vermis) can be seen early in the pregnancy. By ultrasound, there may be a connection visible between the 4th ventricle and the cisterna magna that resembles a cleft.
What is the prognosis of Dandy-Walker syndrome?
Prognosis. The effect of Dandy-Walker Syndrome on intellectual development is variable, with some children having normal cognition and others never achieving normal intellectual development even when the excess fluid buildup is treated early and correctly.
Can alcohol cause Dandy-Walker syndrome?
Abstract. An unusual case of the fetal alcohol syndrome with hydrocephalus caused by a Dandy-Walker cyst is reported. 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 detected before birth?
Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is easily seen with obstetrical ultrasound and is usually diagnosed by 20 weeks’ gestation, but has been seen even earlier. The findings on ultrasound consist of a cyst in the cerebellum. There may or may not be other birth defects in the brain or in other organ systems.
How is Dandy-Walker syndrome treated?
What are the treatments for Dandy-Walker malformation in children?
- Medications to control seizures.
- Speech therapy to help with speech and language development.
- Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination.
- Surgical insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in cases of severe or worsening hydrocephalus.
What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?
Dandy-Walker Syndrome is a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum (an area of the back of the brain that coordinates movement) and the fluid-filled spaces around it.
What is the difference between Dandy-Walker malformation and Dandy Walker complex?
The term “classic Dandy-Walker malformation” and others like “ Dandy-Walker variant ” or “ Dandy-Walker complex ”, were created to differentiate those malformations that do not meet the criteria for Dandy-Walker malformation, however, some authors recommend to avoid them as they have a lack of specificity that may create some confusion.
What are the symptoms of Dandy-Walker malformation?
People with Dandy-Walker malformation may experience muscle stiffness and partial paralysis of the lower limbs (spastic paraplegia), and they may also have seizures. While rare, hearing and vision problems can be features of this condition.Less commonly, other brain abnormalities have been reported in people with Dandy-Walker malformation.
How is Dandy-Walker complex diagnosed?
Dandy-Walker complex may be suspected when a doctor observes signs and symptoms of the complex including an increased head size and developmental delay. A doctor may order tests to evaluate the cause of these symptoms, including imaging of the brain.