Dandy-Walker Syndrome

I remember as a nursing student it was very difficult to memorize all those diseases and illnesses because it was just words in a textbook. Now that I am taking care of real patients, I am able to put a face and a story with sometimes rare conditions such as Dandy-Walker Syndrome. Briefly, it is a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and the fluid spaces around it. Symptoms in infancy include slow motor development and enlargement of the skull. Symptoms in older children include irritability, convulsions, unsteadiness, and jerky eye movements. Increased head circumference and abnormal breathing problems can also be observed. The source of my information is below. It is clear my experiences as a nurse bring meaningful insight to theory learned in school. I'd like to think the profession of nursing is an ongoing journey of learning and enlightenment.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dandywalker/dandywalker.htm