Treatment:

Treatment is based on the patient's signs and symptoms, and may include:

• Anticonvulsant medicines for seizures
• Eye drops or surgery to treat glaucoma
• Laser therapy for port-wine stains
• Physical therapy for paralysis or weakness
• Possible brain surgery to prevent seizures

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases of Sturge-Weber are not life-threatening. The patient's quality of life depends on how well the symptoms (such as seizures) can be prevented or treated.

Patients will need to visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year to treat glaucoma. They also will need to see a neurologist to treat seizures and other neurologic symptoms.

Complications:

• Abnormal blood vessel growth in the skull
• Continued growth of the port-wine stain
• Developmental delays
• Emotional and behavioral problems
• Glaucoma, which may lead to blindness
• Paralysis
• Seizures

Calling your health care provider:

The health care provider should check all birthmarks, including a port-wine stain. Seizures, vision problems, paralysis, and changes in alertness or mental state may mean the coverings of the brain are involved. These symptoms should be evaluated right away.