Neurological Characteristics

Individuals with WBS have an increased risk of epilepsy, sometimes as early as infancy.

In addition, about 10 per cent of WBS patients have what is known as Chiari-I malformation (paediatricneurology.eu). Briefly, in this case the lower part of the cerebellum no longer lies inside the skull, but extends to the hole in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord runs. This can cause the following symptoms, among others:

• Neck pain
• Balance and coordination problems
• Impaired sensation in the arms and/or legs
• Dizziness
• Swallowing problems