Dandy Walker Malformation

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Dandy Walker Malformation is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Dandy-Walker Cyst
Dandy-Walker Deformity
Dandy-Walker Syndrome
DWM
Hydrocephalus, Internal, Dandy-Walker Type
Hydrocephalus, Noncommunicating, Dandy-Walker Type
Luschka-Magendie Foramina Atresia

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is a brain malformation that occurs during embryonic development of the cerebellum and 4th ventricle. The cerebellum is the area of the brain that helps coordinate movement, and is also involved with cognition and behavior. The 4th ventricle is a space around the cerebellum that channels fluid from inside to around the outside of the brain. DWM is characterized by underdevelopment (small size and abnormal position) of the middle part of the cerebellum known as the cerebellar vermis, cystic enlargement of the 4th ventricle and enlargement of the base of the skull (posterior fossa). DWM is sometimes (20-80%) associated with hydrocephalus, in which blockage of the normal flow of spinal fluid leads to excessive amounts of fluid accumulating in and around the brain. This leads to abnormally high pressure within the skull and swelling of the head, and can lead to neurological impairment.

Resources

National Association for Visually Handicapped
22 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
USA
Tel: 2128893141
Fax: 2127272931
Email: staff@navh.org
Internet: http://www.navh.org

National Hydrocephalus Foundation
12413 Centralia
Lakewood, CA 90715-1623
USA
Tel: 5629246666
Fax: 5629246666
Tel: 8888573434
Email: nhf@earthlink.net
Internet: http://www.nhfonline.org

Guardians of Hydrocephalus Research Foundation
2618 Avenue Z
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Tel: (718)743-4473
Fax: (718)743-1171
Tel: (800)458-8655
Email: GHRF2618@aol.com

Hydrocephalus Association
870 Market Street
Suite 705
San Francisco, CA 94102
USA
Tel: 4157327040
Fax: 4157327044
Tel: 8885983789
Email: info@hydroassoc.org
Internet: http://www.hydroassoc.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Dandy-Walker Syndrome Network
5030 142nd Path West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
USA
Tel: 6124234008

Hydrocephalus Support Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 4236
Chesterfield, MO 63006-4236
USA
Tel: 6365328228
Fax: 3142515871
Email: hydrodb@earthlink.net

Dandy-Walker Alliance, Inc.
4422 Clearbrook Lane
Kensington, MD 20895
Tel: (301)919-2653
Email: eric.cole@dandy-walker.org
Internet: http://www.dandy-walker.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 2/12/2008
Copyright 1986, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2008 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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