What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?

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What is Dandy-Walker syndrome?

Dandy-Walker syndrome is sometimes called Dandy-Walker malformation or just Dandy-Walker. It’s a congenital brain malformation that causes an issue with how the brain forms. It is congenital meaning a baby is born with the condition, and it occurs as the baby develops during pregnancy.

Dandy-Walker involves the cerebellum and the spaces around it. The cerebellum is in the back of the brain, near the brainstem. It's part of the central nervous system. The cerebellum coordinates movements. It also helps control:

  • Balance, coordination and posture.
  • Vision.
  • Cognition (thinking ability).
  • Motor skills.
  • Behavior.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is named after the two neurosurgeons (brain surgeons) who described it in the 1900s, Walter Dandy, MD, and Arthur Walker, MD.

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