Effects of Moebius Syndrome
Moebius syndrome is an extremely uncommon neurological disorder that is evident at birth and affects less than approximately 20 of every 1 million newborns. Yet, despite its rarity and severe, immediately noticeable physical effects, individuals who have the condition often establish complete and successful lives on both personal and professional levels.
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Effects
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The diverse effects associated with Moebius syndrome most frequently include an inability to form facial expressions or move the eyes laterally, crossed eyes (strabismus), difficulty eating and swallowing, visual problems related to infrequent or never blinking, lack of upper-body strength, drooling, dental problems, communication issues, hearing loss and deformities of the hand and feet.
History
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Moebius syndrome is named after German neurologist Paul Julius Möbius (1853-1907), the doctor who first associated the disorder with paralyzed cranial nerves, although he called it nuclear atrophy.
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Origin
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Classified as a craniofacial disorder that is possibly genetic, Moebius syndrome causes underdevelopment and subsequent paralysis of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves and sometimes other nerves, as well. Because the nerves are responsible for facial and lateral eye movements, sufferers appear to have immobile or "frozen" faces and eyes.
Identification
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There are numerous recognizable signs in children born with Moebius syndrome, such as an immobile face, eyes that never blink or close, clear problems swallowing and closing the mouth, an abnormal-sized tongue, later-than-average speech development and mislabeling as autistic.
Treatment
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Although there is no cure for Moebius syndrome, medical intervention can help lessen some of the disorder's effects. For instance, surgery can correct crossed eyes, while speech therapy can help sufferers learn to communicate better.
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