Search This Blog

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dandy-Walker Syndrome



Dandy-Walker Syndrome is a congenital condition affecting the cerebellum, an area in the lower back of the brain. Excess fluid in the areas surrounding the cerebellum impairs the brain's ability to control movement, and can also cause hydrocephalus and intracranial pressure. Other common features of the syndrome include an absence of the area between the hemispheres of the cerebellum, and a cyst at the base of the skull. It may be diagnosed at birth due to enlarged head size, or later in infancy or childhood when motor-skill problems appear. There is no cure, but treatment is available to lessen the impact of the symptoms.

Symptoms of Dandy-Walker Syndrome

Symptoms of Dandy-Walker syndrome vary according to age. Symptoms that appear in early infancy include: slow motor development and an abnormally enlarged skull. In older children symptoms include: irritability, vomiting, convulsions, ataxia and jerky eyes.

Other common symptoms of Dandy-Walker syndrome are:

* increased head circumference
* a head bulge at the back of the skull
* problems with the nerves that control the eyes, face and neck
* abnormal breathing patterns

Treatment


Treatments for Dandy-Walker syndrome are aimed at controlling and reducing the symptoms. In some cases, a special tube to reduce intracranial pressure may be placed inside the skull to control swelling.



source: sangga or click here

No comments:

Post a Comment