Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS)
SWS is a disorder that affects the skin, the neurological system, and sometimes the eyes and internal organs. Its hallmark is a facial birthmark or port-wine stain. Unlike some neurocutaneous syndromes, SWS is a congenital – not an inherited – disorder.
Diagnosing SWS can be difficult. Although the presence of a facial port-wine stain is an important clue to diagnosis, most patients with facial portwine stains do not have SWS. In addition, a small number of patients who have SWS do not have a facial birthmark, the characteristic most often used to identify the condition. Other symptoms may include:
- Angiomas on the brain, causing seizures
- Glaucoma
- Weakness
- Muscle delays
Treatment Options
- Close monitoring for complications
- Laser therapy to treat the facial birthmark/port wine stain
- Medication or surgery to control seizures
