Dandy Walker Malformation - A Brief Overview

By Jack Morgan


Dandy Walker Malformation is a congenital syndrome of the brain that involves the area at the back of the brain which is referred to as cerebellum. It also affects the area that is filled with fluid around the cerebellum. The key characteristics of this condition are that there is an increase in the fluid space size that is surrounding the brain. There is also an increase of pressure in this fluid.

The key features of this malformation are characterized by the fourth ventricle enlarging in size. The fourth ventricle is responsible for free flow of liquid between the brain's upper and lower parts and the spinal cord. There could be a complete or partial absence of the brain area covering the area between the two cerebellar hemispheres. There could be some cyst formation near the skull lower parts.

The other features of Dandy Walker Malformation are the absence of the area the brain area which should be between the cerebellar hemispheres. There is formation of cyst near the lowest part of the skull. There is also an enlargement of the small channel that allows fluid to flow freely between the lower and upper of the spinal cord and the brain.

Many people are interested in understanding whether dandy walker malformation can be treated. Individuals who have this syndrome can only be treated by addressing each of the symptoms if the need arises. In other instances, a surgical procedure could be recommended. It is known as shunt and this is whereby excess fluid within the brain is drained off. It eases the pressure on the cerebellum, while helping to manage the swelling. It is advisable that parents who have children with this condition go for genetic counseling, in case they need to get more children.

Treatment for people with dandy walker malformation normally involves treating the problems that are associated with the disease when it is needed. There is also a surgical procedure referred to as a shunt that is necessary to drain the excess liquid found in the brain off. The draining off reduces the intracranial pressure which reduces the swelling. It is wise for parents of such children to go for genetic counseling just in case they may have any plans for getting more children in future.

If there is any need for the treatment of Dandy Walker Malformation then it must involve the treatment of the associated problems. Excess fluid that is found within the brain is drained can be drained off via a process surgical process called Shunt. This surgical procedure helps in controlling the swelling and reduction of intracranial pressure in the brain.

The effect of Dandy Walker Malformation on intellectual development is variable on different children. This is determined by the fact that some children have got normal cognition but there are others that don't achieve the normal intellectual development even when there is early treatment of excess fluid buildup in the brain. The severalty of the malformation will determine its longevity. Lifespan of an individual can in some way be affected by the presence of multiple Dandy Walker Malformations.

This information would be more useful in the discovery of new methods for treating and preventing the various brain developmental disorders of which the dandy walker malformation is part of. This would be of great help to children who may be born with this condition. It would also enable the progressive world of medicine capable of dealing with this type of brain development disorder.




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