Health issues
What is Sturge-Weber syndrome?
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare disease affecting the small blood vessels of the face and brain. It is characterised by the presence of an angioma (port wine stain) on the face that often leads to the diagnosis. The presence of an angioma in the brain can result in neurological complications such as epilepsy, hemiplegia, retarded development, intellectual disability and stroke. Eye complications (glaucoma) can also develop.
Treatment
An early diagnosis of the disease makes it possible to limit the complications, inform parents of important signs to look out for and identify (notably epilepsy, stroke), rapidly begin drug or local treatment (epilepsy, face angioma, glaucoma) and, if necessary, initiate early rehabilitation therapy. Multidisciplinary monitoring (neurological, dermatological and ophthalmological) is essential throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Specific care pathways
Our team cooperates closely with specialist teams when the child’s condition requires it (epilepsy surgery, laser treatment of the angioma). We also network with GPs and paediatricians, child therapists (physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc.), support services, respite care services, associations and psycho-medico-social centres. A transition consultation can be arranged at the Erasmus Hospital when the child enters adulthood.
Our specialists
Children's patients (Children's Hospital)The multidisciplinary consultation is organised by the Neuroaediatrics Department.Neuropaediatrics: Dr Anne MonierDermatologist: Dr Pamela El NemnomOphthalmologist: Dr Deborah BuisseretGeneticist: Dr Catheline VilainAdult patients (Erasmus Hospital)The consultation is organised by the Neurology Department (Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be))Neurologist: Dr Chantal Depondt
