Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Definition

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a condition involving specific brain changes that often cause seizures and mental delays. It also includes port-wine colored birth-marks (or "port-wine stains"), usually found on the face.

Description

The brain finding in SWS is leptomeningeal angioma, which is a swelling of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These angiomas cause seizures in approximately 90% of people with SWS. A large number of affected individuals are also mentally delayed.

Port-wine stains are present at birth. They can be quite large and are typically found on the face near the eyes or on the eyelids. Vision problems are common, especially if a port-wine stain covers the eyes. These vision problems can include glaucoma and vision loss.

Facial features, such as port-wine stains, can be very...