Dandy Walker Malformation

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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



MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network

150 Custer Court

Green Bay, WI 54301-1243

USA

Tel: 9203365333

Fax: 9203390995

Tel: 8773365333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/



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

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Last updated:	February 12, 2008