Is Dandy-Walker fatal?
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.
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.
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 a baby survive with Dandy Walker syndrome?
Some children need a lot of medical care at birth but go on to live normal lives with few or no long-term effects. Other children may lose the ability to move parts of their body (paralysis), seizures and problems with thinking and learning. The long-term survival rate for infants with isolated DWS is very good.
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.
How do you get Dandy-Walker syndrome?
Although many people with Dandy-Walker syndrome have chromosomal abnormalities linked to the condition, researchers believe most cases are caused by highly complex genetic components or isolated environmental factors, like exposure to substances that cause birth defects.
What is the difference between Dandy-Walker malformation and variant?
Dandy-Walker variant (DWv) is a less severe posterior fossa anomaly than the classic Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), characterized as partial vermian hypoplasia with partial obstruction to the fourth ventricle. It is considered on the lesser end of the disease spectrum in the Dandy-Walker continuum.
What is a Dandy-Walker cyst?
About Dandy Walker Syndrome 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.
What is Dandy-Walker syndrome in adults?
Two patients with the Dandy-Walker malformation first developed neurologic symptoms in adult life. In both patients there was normal motor and intellectual development during childhood, but as adults they had gradual evolution of brain stem and cerebellar signs and obstructive hydrocephalus.
When is Dandy-Walker diagnosed?
Symptoms of Dandy-Walker malformation usually appear by age 1. These symptoms may include: Developmental delays in motor and language skills such as sitting up, walking and talking. Poor muscle tone, balance and coordination.
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.
Is Dandy-Walker genetic?