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Mobius Syndrome Synonym(s): Reviewed 07-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Mobius Syndrome?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Mobius Syndrome? Mobius syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by facial paralysis, is caused by the absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves. These nerves control eye movements and facial expression. In newborns, the first symptom is an inability to suck. Excessive drooling and strabismus (crossed eyes) may occur. Other symptoms may include lack of facial expression; inability to smile; feeding, swallowing, and choking problems; eye sensitivity; motor delays; high or cleft palate; hearing problems; and speech difficulties. Deformities of the tongue, jaw, and limbs, such as club foot and missing or webbed fingers, may also occur. Most patients have low muscle tone, especially in the upper body. Mental retardation may also occur. As children get older, lack of facial expression and inability to smile become the dominant visible symptoms. Mobius syndrome may be accompanied by Pierre Robin syndrome, a disease in which there is an abnormally small jaw, downward displacement of the tongue, and a soft, cleft palate. It may also be accompanied by Poland's anomaly, a disease characterized by abnormal development of one side of the chest and limb deformities. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
Moebius Syndrome Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD)
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