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Monday, 11 November 2013

Facts About Dandy Walker Malformation

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By Jack Morgan


Dandy walker malformation refers to a congenital malformation of the brain which involves the cerebellum which is an area at the back of the brain which controls movement. It is a genetic sporadic disorder that occurs once in every 30,000 live births. It is hard to diagnose it during the prenatal and the prognosis of the outcome is also difficult to determine.

This malformation takes place during the development of the embryo. Apart from the affecting the cerebellum, the malformation affects the 4th ventricle. Effect on the 4th ventricle is seen when this part enlarges. The flow of fluid in the 4th ventricle may also be blocked in the process.

Older children experience different symptoms altogether. Normally, there is an increase in the intracranial pressure that leads to kids being irritable and vomiting. Kids also experience cerebellar dysfunction, which is evident through children lacking muscle coordination, unsteadiness including jerky eye movement. The circumference of the head could also increase in some cases while other children experience some bulge at the back of the head.

It is frequently associated with disorders that affect the various areas associated with the central nervous system. Absence of the nerve fibers that connect the corpus callosum would also cause this disorder. In addition, the malformations of the face, limbs, heart, toes and fingers may also cause this disorder.

Unlike any other conditions, dandy walker malformation affects children in a unique way. Some children still manage to have normal cognition even with the syndrome. Sadly for others, they never achieve full intellectual development despite early detection of the condition and draining off excess fluid. How long one survives will depend on the severity of their condition. However, when the defects are multiple in a person, they will have a short life span.

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.

Dandy walker malformation is often linked to the disorder in the central nervous system or the brain. They include lack of the corpus callosum, malformations of the limbs, toes, fingers, heart and face among others. Ultrasound technology has made prenatal diagnosis a possibility. Therefore, it is vital that parents take prenatal clinics seriously to enable detection of such conditions.

There is a lot of research that is being conducted by various organizations. This research is aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the way in which the brain functions with its associated malformations, whereby Dandy Walker Malformation is among the conditions that are being studied. The knowledge which is got from such different research offers a wide area of treatment and prevention of this syndrome and many other disorders.




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