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Indian Journal of Surgical Nursing 15(2):p 67-76, May - August 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijsn.2277.467X.15226.4
Review Article
Dandy–Walker Syndrome (DWS): Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Nursing Management
Malarvizhi Jayakumar, Bhavani Manivannan
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Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Surgical Nursing 15(2):p 67-76, May - August 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijsn.2277.467X.15226.4
How Cite This Article:
Malarvizhi Jayakumar, Bhavani Manivannan. Dandy–Walker Syndrome (DWS): Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Nursing Management. J Surg. Nurs. 2026; 15(2): 67-76.Timeline
Received : May 29, 2026
Accepted : July 02, 2026
Published : August 30, 2026
Abstract
Dandy–Walker Syndrome (DWS), also known as Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM), is a rare congenital brain malformation involving abnormal development of the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. The condition is commonly associated with hydrocephalus, developmental delay, motor dysfunction, and neurological impairments. The severity of symptoms varies widely depending on the degree of cerebellar involvement and associated congenital anomalies. Advances in prenatal imaging, neurosurgical interventions, and rehabilitative therapies have improved outcomes in affected children. Nursing management plays a critical role in early recognition of complications, neurological monitoring, developmental support, and caregiver education. This review article summarizes the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, prognosis, and comprehensive nursing management of DWS.
References
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- 2. Cleveland Clinic – Dandy-Walker Syndrome
- 3. Aldinger KA, et al. FOXC1 is required for normal cerebellar development and is a major contributor to chromosome 6p25.3 DandyWalker malformation. Nature Genetics. 2009;41(9):1037–1042.
- 4. Grinberg I, et al. Heterozygous deletion of ZIC1 and ZIC4 is involved in DandyWalker malformation. Nature Genetics. 2004;36(10):1053–1055.
- 5. Spennato P, et al. Hydrocephalus in DandyWalker malformation. Child’s Nervous System. 2011;27(10):1665–1681.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
About this article
Cite this article
Malarvizhi Jayakumar, Bhavani Manivannan. Dandy–Walker Syndrome (DWS): Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Nursing Management. J Surg. Nurs. 2026; 15(2): 67-76.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2026 | July 02, 2026 | August 30, 2026 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijsn.2277.467X.15226.4
Keywords
Dandy–Walker SyndromeCerebellar MalformationHydrocephalusPrenatal DiagnosisNeurological AssessmentPediatric NursingVP ShuntDevelopmental SupportSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | May 29, 2026 |
| Accepted | July 02, 2026 |
| Published | August 30, 2026 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
