What happens to the brain in people with Dandy-Walker?

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What happens to the brain in people with Dandy-Walker?

In Dandy-Walker syndrome, several conditions may occur:

  • The fourth ventricle becomes enlarged. This space around the cerebellum helps cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow between the upper and lower brain and the spinal cord.
  • The cerebellar vermis (area between the two hemispheres, or halves, of the cerebellum) is partially or completely absent.
  • A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms near the fourth ventricle.
  • The base of the skull (posterior fossa) becomes enlarged.
  • Hydrocephalus may occur if CSF builds up, leading to high pressure and swelling in the skull.

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