What is Dandy-Walker?

A congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum (an area at the back of the brain that controls movement) and the fluid filled spaces around it. The key features of this syndrome are an enlargement of the fourth ventricle (a small channel that allows fluid to flow freely between the upper and lower areas of the brain and spinal cord), a partial or complete absence of the cerebellar vermis (the area between the two cerebellar hemispheres), and cyst formation near the internal base of the skull. An increase in the size of the fluid spaces surrounding the brain as well as an increase in pressure may also be present. 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. In older children, symptoms of increased intracranial pressure such as irritability, vomiting, and convulsions, and signs of cerebellar dysfunction such as unsteadiness, lack of muscle coordination, or jerky movements of the eyes may occur. Other symptoms include increased head circumference, bulging at the back of the skull, problems with the nerves that control the eyes, face and neck, and abnormal breathing patterns. Dandy-Walker Syndrome is frequently associated with disorders of other areas of the central nervous system including absence of the corpus callosum (the connecting area between the two cerebral hemispheres), and malformations of the heart, face, limbs, fingers and toes.

Alabama-born songstress and Nashville recording artist
Laura Dodd
performed the title track "Songbird" from her most recent album on April 3, 2008 for members of Congress in the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness for Dandy-Walker Syndrome. The title track was used in the documentary "Dandy Kids". To learn more about Laura, her connection to Dandy-Walker and to watch her perform live visit: www.lauradodd.com

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Florida's Blood Centers teamed up with the Blackwell family and Orlando's WFTV Channel 9 to create a promotional commercial that educates the community about maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply and also raise awareness for Dandy-Walker Syndrome.

If you have information that you would like to have considered for inclusion on this site please e-mail it to us at submission@dandy-walker.org.

For instance, Mr. Tyrell Arnold authored an Essay on Dandy-Walker Syndrome, complete with full citations for public use.

Note: This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author's and not necessarily those of the Dandy-Walker Alliance.