Dandy walker syndrome: symptoms, causes, treatment & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is Dandy Walker syndrome (Dandy Walker syndrome)?

Dandy Walker syndrome or Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital disorder or defect in babies that involves the cerebellum and the fluid-filled cavity around the cerebellum.

Dandy Walker syndrome or Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by an enlarged fluid-filled cavity between the brain stem and cerebellum (fourth ventricle).

In addition, the part of the skull where the cerebellum is located and the brainstem (posterior fossa) is also enlarged.

Children with Dandy Walker syndrome also have absent or very small midbrain (vermis). In fact, the cerebellum may also be in an abnormal position.

This congenital condition can cause hydrocephalus or enlargement of the brain and skull due to the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, although it does not always lead to hydrocephalus.

Dandy Walker syndrome is also a congenital disability resulting in impaired movement, impaired coordination, thought processes, mood (mood), and other neurological functions in infants.

How common is this condition?

Dandy Walker syndrome or Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital disorder or defect that is classified as rare.

In fact, there are no exact numbers for cases of Dandy Walker syndrome. However, launching from the U.S National Library of Medicine, Dandy Walker syndrome affects about 1 in 10,000-30,000 newborns.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome (Dandy Walker syndrome)?

Dandy Walker syndrome or Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital disorder that can develop without realizing it.

Symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome in infants usually include slow fine and gross motor development and enlargement of the skull size.

While the symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome in older children can include increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial), for example vomiting.

In addition, the function of the cerebellum in children is also disrupted, which is characterized by lack of muscle coordination and abnormal eye movements.

Another symptom associated with Dandy Walker syndrome is an enlarged head circumference and a bulge at the back of the skull.

Babies and children can also experience other symptoms such as breathing problems and problems with the nerves that control the eyes, face and neck.

In detail, the signs and symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome are as follows:

Slow motor development

Babies and children with Dandy Walker syndrome often experience slow motor skill development.

These motor delays can include the baby's ability to crawl, the baby to walk, the baby learns to balance, and the baby stands up.

In essence, this delayed motor development usually involves the ability to coordinate between the limbs.

An enlargement of the size of the skull

An enlarged skull size as a symptom of Dandy Walker syndrome is usually accompanied by a bulge on the back.

Both of these are due to the buildup of fluid in the skull.

The pressure inside the skull (intracranial) increases

As the skull increases in size, intracranial pressure is also the result of a buildup of fluid.

Usually, this condition leads to the nature of the child who is irritable, bad mood, impaired vision, and vomiting.

Movement problems

Other symptoms that indicate babies and children have Dandy Walker syndrome are abnormal body movement coordination, stiff muscles, balance disorders, and experiencing seizures.

These problems can be associated with problems with the development of the cerebellum.

Another symptom of Dandy Walker syndrome in infant children

Various signs and symptoms of Dandy Walker syndrome or Dandy Walker syndrome that can also appear are as follows:

• Hydrocephalus or enlargement of the baby's head circumference due to fluid buildup.
• Easy to fuss and hard to calm down.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• There are abnormalities in the face, limbs, and heart.

When to see a doctor

Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital disorder or defect that sometimes appears in newborns.

If you see a baby having the symptoms above or other questions, consult a doctor immediately.

The health condition of each person's body is different, including babies. Always consult a doctor in order to get the best treatment regarding the health condition of your baby.

Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital birth defect or disorder associated with disorders of other areas of the central nervous system.

Take for example there is no connecting nerve between the two parts of the brain (corpus callosum) and there are disorders of the heart, face, feet, fingers and toes.

That is why you need to immediately take your child to the doctor when you think they have symptoms that lead to Dandy Walker syndrome.

Cause

What causes Dandy Walker syndrome (Dandy Walker syndrome)?

The development of Dandy Walker syndrome is formed early when the fetus is still developing in the womb.

The fetal cerebellum does not develop properly, causing its structure to be abnormal.

Dandy Walker syndrome can be caused by a chromosomal abnormality, which is the addition of a copy of one chromosome in each cell (trisomy).

Not only that, the cause of Dandy Walker syndrome can also be because certain chromosome pieces are missing or duplicated.

Dandy Walker syndrome is the most common disorder in children with trisomy 18 (extra copy of chromosome 18).

However, Dandy Walker syndrome is a disorder that can also occur in people with trisomy 13, trisomy 21, or trisomy 9.

In addition, other causes of Dandy Walker syndrome can also be due to environmental factors that affect fetal development in early pregnancy.

Based on Children's National's page, maternal diabetes can also be the cause of babies born with Dandy Walker syndrome.

Risk Factors

What increases your risk of developing Dandy Walker syndrome (Dandy Walker syndrome)?

Dandy Walker syndrome is a congenital birth defect that can be passed from parent to child or in the family.

When a child has Dandy Walker syndrome, the risk of other siblings developing this condition is higher.

On the other hand, mothers with diabetes have a higher risk of having a baby with Dandy Walker syndrome.

If you want to reduce the risk factors that you and your baby may have, consult your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

During pregnancy, doctors can diagnose Dandy Walker syndrome by performing an ultrasound examination (USG) in the second trimester of pregnancy or the third trimester of pregnancy.

Apart from ultrasound tests, other tests that can also help diagnose Dandy Walker syndrome are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the fetus.

However, both an ultrasound and an MRI examination can be done at birth to find out possible complications.

What are the treatment options for Dandy Walker syndrome (Dandy Walker syndrome)?

Hydrocephalus associated with Dandy Walker syndrome can be treated with surgery. This procedure is done by inserting a tube to remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the brain.

This method also aims to help excess fluid in the brain flow to other parts of the body that can absorb it.

Some of the treatment therapies that can be done include special education, physical therapy and medical services, and other social or vocational services.

Genetic counseling is also recommended for family members who have children with this syndrome.

If you have a seizure, the doctor may also give the child medications to control these symptoms. In order for the child's development to run well, various therapies can also be given.

Therapy to treat Dandy Walker syndrome includes speech therapy to cloud the development of a child's speech and language as well as physical therapy to strengthen muscle coordination.

If needed, children can undergo occupational therapy to support skills and carry out daily activities, for example eating, dressing, walking, playing, and others.

Special education for children can also be given depending on their abilities.

If the child has cognitive or intelligence disorders that affect the learning process, special education may be useful.

The life expectancy of a baby with this syndrome depends on the severity of the condition. Because the symptoms or complaints of this disease are quite serious, children with Dandy Walker syndrome may have a shorter life span.

This condition can even result in life-long complications that can be fatal for babies and children.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.