Neurosurgery

Dandy Walker Syndrome

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About Dandy Walker Syndrome

General Information

  • 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.
  • This malformation occurs when openings that allow cerebrospinal fluid to move into the space surrounding the surface of the brain fail to open. The condition may prompt any of several brain and central nervous system abnormalities.
  • Hydrocephalus occurs in 90 percent of cases.

Symptoms

  • Dandy-Walker Syndrome symptoms depend to some extent on the combination of developmental difficulties in the infant. Increasing head size due to hydrocephalus may be the sole symptom.
  • The normal signs of increased intracranial pressure may be absent in infants because of the head’s ability to grow. In older children, difficulties with balance, mental impairment and double vision can occur.

Diagnosis

  • Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) will show the malformation in cases of Dandy Walker Syndrome.

Treatment

  • When treatment is necessary, the posterior fossa cyst needs to be shunted to allow proper flow of cerebrospinal fluid. If there is no communication between the posterior fossa cyst and the lateral ventricles, then the lateral ventricles need to be shunted also.

Outcome

  • The chance of survival is 75 to 100 percent. About half of Dandy Walker Syndrome patients have normal IQ. Difficulty with balance, stiffness and poor fine motor control is common. Seizures occur in 15 percent of patients.

The Neuro-ICU cares for patients with all types of neurosurgical and neurological injuries, including stroke, brain hemorrhage, trauma and tumors. We work in close cooperation with your surgeon or medical doctor with whom you have had initial contact. Together with the surgeon or medical doctor, the NeuroICU attending physician and team members direct your family member's care while in the ICU.  The NeuroICU team consists of the bedside nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians in specialty training (Fellows) and attending physicians. Read more in our UCLA Neuro ICU Family Guide.