What is the prognosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome?
Infants with Sturge-Weber syndrome are typically born with a port-wine birthmark. Seizures, early handedness or evidence of a visual gaze preference usually begin in the first two years of life. However, seizures and strokes occasionally begin later in childhood or even in adulthood. Quantitative EEG, followed by MRI of the brain, can help confirm brain involvement prior to the onset of symptoms. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier treatment, and when brain involvement is confirmed prior to the onset of seizures, presymptomatic treatment may be initiated. Glaucoma is another common condition associated with SWS. While glaucoma has two peak periods, first in infancy and second in young adulthood, it can begin at any point in life. Patients should therefore be seen by an ophthalmologist every few months for the first few years of life and then at least annually for life.