Moebius syndrome is an extremely rare birth disorder that is characterized by facial paralysis. Affected individuals lack facial expression because two important cranial nerves are absent or not fully developed.
Characteristics of this syndrome include:
Inability to smile, frown or blink
Impaired ability in infants to suck
Inability to follow objects with one's eye -- instead the child turns his/her head to follow
Crossed eyes (strabismus)
Low muscle tone, particularly in the upper body
Most children with Moebius syndrome are of normal intelligence but mental retardation occurs in some cases.
What causes Moebius syndrome?
Moebius syndrome is caused by underdevelopment of facial nerves. Researchers believe that there is a genetic cause, but have not yet been able to identify it.
What are the chances of having a child with Moebius syndrome?
Most cases of Moebius syndrome are sporadic, meaning they occur once in a family, with a low chance of it occurring in another pregnancy.
There are some rare families where more than one person is affected.
What problems are associated with Moebius syndrome?
In addition to the physical characteristics common to the condition, children with Moebius syndrome may have the following problems:
Sensitivity to bright light due to inability to squint
Speech problems
Hearing problems caused by fluid in the ears
Limited movement of the tongue
Teeth problems
Sensitivity to loud sounds
Respiratory illnesses
Deformed tongue and jaw
Trouble sitting or crawling due to low muscle tone
How is Moebius syndrome treated?
In some cases, reconstructive surgery of the face may be beneficial.
Other treatments include:
Surgery to correct crossed eyes (strabismus)
Physical therapy to improve the child's motor skills and coordination
Speech therapy
The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
