Hydrocephalus Background Hydrocephalus is commonly known as ‘water on the brain’. There are four cavities called ventricles inside the brain. A watery fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows through narrow...
Spina Bifida If your child is affected by a medical condition or disability we can help. Call our freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 to get information, support and advice. You can...
Dandy-Walker syndrome Background Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a brain malformation involving the cerebellum (an area at the back of the brain that controls movement) and the fluid-filled spaces around it. Within the...
Syringomyelia Background Syringomyelia refers to a cystic-like change (syrinx) within the spinal cord. It can have many different causes such as spinal cord trauma, spinal cord tumours, scoliosis, spinal cord tethering and...
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum Background Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare neurological condition where the corpus callosum is underdeveloped. The corpus callosum is a bridge of white matter joining the two...
Alexander disease Also known as: Alexander Leukodystrophy; AxD Background Alexander disease (AxD) is an extremely rare genetic disease belonging to a group of conditions called leukodystrophies. It involves degeneration of the brain’swhite...
Anencephaly Anencephaly is a condition affecting the development of the brain and often the spinal cord. It occurs at birth and is a very serious condition. Sadly, babies are not able...
Hydranencephaly Background Hydranencephaly is a condition that usually arises in mid or late pregnancy when a major reduction of blood supply to the brain results in loss of most of both...
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Also known as: Benign Intracranial Hypertension; Pseudotumour Cerebri Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition where intracranial pressure ((ICP) the pressure of fluid in the head) is raised. This...
Osteopetrosis Background Osteopetrosis is a general name for a group of rare genetic diseases which are all characterised by increased bone density. These result from problems in the formation or function...
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Background Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a relatively rare genetic condition. Several genes for the condition have been found, and more are being sought. The prevalence is almost certainly underestimated....
Toxoplasmosis Background Toxoplasmosis is an infection that is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which affects all warm blooded animals including humans. Infection is caught by eating anything infected or contaminated with...
Vein of Galen Malformation Background Vein of Galen malformation (VGM) is a rare arteriovenous malformation (AVM – an abnormal direct connection between arteries and veins) in the brain. High pressure blood flows directly from...