Dandy-Walker complex without fluid in the brain?

I've been searching for info about Dandy-Walker Complex for hours, but everything I've found talks about hydrocephalus and this person never had excess fluid on their brain, so I'm at a loss. Can anyone help by explaining what other causes their are, and what 'dandy-walker complex' is without the medical jargon? Website links are fine, just give me an idea as to what's on them if you don't mind. THANK YOU!!

Hi!
I am a little confused. ..Hydrocephalus is not the MAIN cause of Dandy Walker it is just one of them. The key features of this syndrome are an enlargement of the fourth ventricle (a small channel that allows fluid to flow freely between the upper and lower areas of the brain and spinal cord), a partial or complete absence of the the area between the two cerebellar hemispheres, and cyst formation near the internal base of the skull. An increase in the size of the fluid spaces surrounding the brain as well as an increase in pressure may also be present.
Often a shunt can be placed into the skull to help with drainage of excess fluid on the brain.
As a special education teacher I have a student in my class that has this syndrome. He is severely cognitively impaired but I would consider him one of my higher functioning students. I am not sure what other info that you might need.
If you want to and you have specific questions ...I may be able to assist and you can email me.
Hope I helped.

See here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandy_Walke...

In short, Dandy Walker Syndrome (DWS) is a heterogenous group of congenital malformations in the brain that can be very severe or not-so-severe. They all involve some type of blockage or obstruction to the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is made outside the brain in the lining of the skull, and slowly flows into the brain through a hole in the brainstem, up a narrow tube into the brain, and into a small space in the center of the brain, where it is reabsorbed. Obviously, any blockage in this system will result in fluid accumulation in various parts of the skull, since it can't make it to the center where it is reabsorbed.

If the malformation is not dramatic, the flow is not completely blocked, but depending on how obstructed the flow is, pressure may build up in some parts of the skull.

Either the excessive pressure or fluid affects how the brain develops, and some parts may even degenerate completely. However, since the amount of blockage varies, the severity of the condition varies widely.

As always, discuss these and any questions with your doctor.