Möbius syndrome is a rare birth defect caused by incomplete neurodevelopment, affecting fewer than twenty children per million. Symptoms include facial paralysis, difficulty feeding, and lack of facial control. There is no known cure, but physical therapy and surgeries can help patients cope.
Möbius syndrome, also called Moebius syndrome, is a rare birth defect caused by incomplete neurodevelopment. The condition is considered very rare, with studies suggesting that fewer than twenty children per million are affected. Due to comparative rarity, diagnosis is often difficult and may not be confirmed until additional symptoms appear. There is no known treatment for Möbius syndrome, although some procedures and surgeries may be able to help patients cope with the effects.
The first symptom that may indicate the condition is the inability to suck or breastfeed. The main signifier of Möbius syndrome is a partial paralysis of the facial muscles, which prevents the child from feeding normally. Other initial symptoms may include inability to focus or move the eyes, lack of facial control, and cleft palate. Depending on the severity of the condition, children may also have hearing difficulties or missing and deformed limbs.
According to scientific studies, Möbius syndrome is the result of underdevelopment of the cranial nerves. Most cases primarily affect the sixth and seventh cranial nerves, which control movement of the face and eyes. Some severe cases can affect other related nerves as well, leading to sensory, motor, speech, and developmental disabilities.
Infants with Möbius syndrome are often identifiable by their inability to form facial expressions. They tend not to be able to smile or wrinkle their face while crying. Because of the paralysis of the lips, they may also have difficulty learning to speak or form words, although many can improve their skills through speech therapy.
Often, young children with Möbius syndrome are misidentified as having mental disabilities due to their inability to form facial expressions. While patients with this condition appear to suffer from a high rate of autism, many are fully mentally functional. Although children diagnosed with Möbius may have some early educational difficulties due to a lack of motor skills or difficulty forming words, they may be able to overcome these early setbacks and enjoy a standard education.
While there is no treatment that can cure Möbius syndrome, several options can help patients adapt and thrive despite the condition. Physical therapy in infancy can help develop facial muscles and coordination, allowing them to eat and drink normally. Some patients choose to have plastic surgery to correct associated facial deformities, such as cleft palate or crossed eyes. New surgeries may also implant nerves around the mouth to give better facial control and allow patients a greater ability to form facial expressions.
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