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| Wilson Champions Resolution to Increase Awareness of Dandy-Walker Syndrome |
November 06, 2007 |
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Resolution outlines the need for more research of birth defects
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Heather Wilson was interviewed today at the MIND institute in Albuquerque for a documentary film being made about Dandy-Walker Syndrome. Wilson is the sponsor of H.Con.Res. 163, a resolution to support further research, education, diagnosis and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus. The resolution currently has twenty-five bipartisan cosponsors.
Dandy-Walker syndrome is a congenital malformation of the cerebellum that can cause developmental delay, is frequently associated with hydrocephalus that can lead to an enlarged head circumference, and can cause neurological damage possibly leading to death.
“Dandy-Walker is a serious birth defect that can lead to neurological damage, low IQ and cognition, and possible death. We need to raise awareness and encourage more research on this disorder,” said Wilson. "Through work at the MIND Institute and UNM, New Mexico has played a leading role in medical research on diseases of the brain."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Dandy-Walker syndrome may affect as many as 1 in 5,000 live born infants of which approximately 70 to 90 percent will develop hydrocephalus. The syndrome was initially identified by Dr. Arthur W. Walker of the University of New Mexico in 1942.
“Increased federal support for birth defects research and prevention is sorely needed and H.Con.Res.163 will heighten awareness and encourage additional federal research on Dandy-Walker syndrome and other serious birth defects,” said Marina L. Weiss of the March of Dimes.
“Thank you for your leadership to help improve the health of infants and know that all of us at the March of Dimes look forward to working with you on this and other initiatives to improve the health of each and every child.”
The Mind Research Network/Mind Institute is a core of preeminent neuroscience researchers who are advancing today's diagnoses and tomorrow's treatments for mental illness, brain disease and brain injury. The MRN houses fixed and mobile MRI capabilities, as well as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) technologies, making it one of the most sophisticated imaging centers in the world.
One of the first studies of Dandy-Walker syndrome was conducted at the University of New Mexico in 1952 by Dr. Arthur Walker, for whom the disease was eventually named.
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