Dandy Walker syndrome

Dandy-Walker Syndrome (Dandy-Walker Malformation; Dandy Walker Syndrome; Familial Dandy Walker; Dandy Walker Malformation)

What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?

Синдром Денди-Уокера – деформации мозга, which develops before birth, in the womb. The deformation occurs in the back of the brain, that controls movement and cognitive learning. This syndrome can also affect the fluid-filled chambers of the brain, called brain ventricles. They can occur abnormal accumulation of fluid.

Causes Dandy-Walker syndrome

It is not clear, What causes the appearance of Dandy-Walker syndrome. It is believed, that the main role in the occurrence of abnormality plays a genetic factor.

Risk Factors Dandy-Walker syndrome

Dandy-Walker syndrome may be inherited. If one parent has Dandy-Walker syndrome, the child is exposed to a higher risk of the disease. Other known risk factors not yet identified.

Symptoms of Dandy-Walker syndrome

Symptoms of Dandy-Walker syndrome often occur in infancy. Some may not appear until childhood. Most cases are found during the first year of life. Symptoms may include:

• Violation of speech development;
• Slow walking training;
• Irritability;
• Vomiting;
• Instability;
• Lack of muscle coordination;
• Jerky eye movements;
• Increasing the size of the head;
• Bulging of the back of the skull;
• Abnormalities of breathing;
• Problems with vision or hearing;
• Convulsions.

Дети с этим синдромом может иметь и другие врожденные деформации – мозга, hearts, person or limbs.

Diagnosis of Dandy-Walker syndrome

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. It can also schedule a snapshot of the brain, where you can see the changes of the ventricles of the brain. For this purpose, applied:

• Computed tomography of the head;
• MRT;
• Ultrasound.

Treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome

Dandy-Walker Syndrome can not be cured. Treatment will focus on managing the negative symptoms.

Accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain may require treatment, because the extra fluid can cause high blood pressure and swelling of the brain. To drain the fluid used:

• Шунт – в головном мозге устанавливается трубка, allowing the excess fluid to drain out.
• Вентрикулостомия – из одного желудочка в другой подводится дренажная трубка, allowing excess fluid to leave the affected ventricle.

After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the best treatment option.

Prevention of Dandy-Walker syndrome

At the moment, prevention methods Dandy-Walker syndrome does not exist.