Is Dandy-Walker genetic?

Inheritance. Most cases of Dandy-Walker malformation are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. A small percentage of cases seem to run in families; however, Dandy-Walker malformation does not have a clear pattern of inheritance.

Is Dandy-Walker syndrome a birth defect?

The Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital (present at birth) defect affecting the cerebellum, the back part of the brain that controls movement, behavior and cognitive ability.

Is Dandy-Walker a disability?

Dandy-Walker malformation with intellectual disability, basal ganglia disease and seizures is a genetic disease, which means that it is caused by one or more genes not working correctly.

Is Dandy-Walker more common in males or females?

The incidence of Dandy-Walker malformation is 1 case per 25,000-35,000 live births, Dandy-Walker malformation accounts for approximately 1-4% of hydrocephalus cases. The sex incidence of those who have Dandy Walker syndrome is approximately 40% female to 60% male (NORD, 2003).

Can a baby survive with Dandy Walker syndrome?

Babies with the Dandy-Walker Variant may have less fluid build-up inside their brain. As a result, they will have less damage to structures in the cerebellum. Babies with this type of DWS are less likely to need surgery to remove extra fluid from their brains. However, many may still need surgery.

Can you live a normal life with Dandy Walker syndrome?

There are no two people in the world with Dandy-Walker that experience the same symptoms. Some people live their entire lives never knowing they have it. Babies die from unknown causes because they were born seemingly healthy at full term with never a suspicion that something was wrong.

Can a baby survive with Dandy-Walker syndrome?

Can Dandy-Walker syndrome be detected before birth?

Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is easily seen with obstetrical ultrasound and is usually diagnosed by 20 weeks’ gestation, but has been seen even earlier. The findings on ultrasound consist of a cyst in the cerebellum. There may or may not be other birth defects in the brain or in other organ systems.

How common is Dandy-Walker malformation?

The frequency of Dandy Walker malformation in the US is approximately 1 per 25,000 -35,000 live births and affects more females than males.

Can Dandy Walker syndrome be detected before birth?

Is Dandy-Walker progressive?

The syndrome can appear dramatically or develop unnoticed. Symptoms, which often occur in early infancy, include slow motor development and progressive enlargement of the skull.

How common is Dandy-Walker?

How common is Dandy Walker malformation in babies?

Dandy Walker Malformation occurs in one out of 25,000 babies, affecting girls more often than boys. How do you know if your child has Dandy Walker Malformation? Dandy Walker Malformation is usually discovered by ultrasound before the baby is born. If not diagnosed before birth, then it is usually diagnosed within the first year of life.

What causes Dandy Walker malformation?

In most cases, the cause of Dandy Walker Malformation is unknown. A few cases have resulted from autosomal recessive genes, meaning both parents carried the gene. Dandy Walker cysts form during early embryonic development when the brain forms.

How does Dandy-Walker malformation affect brain development?

Dandy-Walker malformation affects brain development, primarily development of the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates movement. In individuals with this condition, various parts of the cerebellum develop abnormally, resulting in malformations that can be observed with medical imaging.

How is Dandy-Walker malformation (D&W) diagnosed?

Dandy Walker malformation is diagnosed with the use of ultrasound, CT and MRI. Prenatal diagnosis of Dandy-Walker malformation is sometimes made by ultrasound or fetal MRI.