Find information on thousands of medical conditions and prescription drugs.

Moebius syndrome

Mobius syndrome (also spelled Moebius) is an extremely rare neurological disorder. more...

Home
Diseases
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Mac Ardle disease
Macroglobulinemia
Macular degeneration
Mad cow disease
Maghazaji syndrome
Mal de debarquement
Malaria
Malignant hyperthermia
Mallory-Weiss syndrome
Malouf syndrome
Mannosidosis
Marburg fever
Marfan syndrome
MASA syndrome
Mast cell disease
Mastigophobia
Mastocytosis
Mastoiditis
MAT deficiency
Maturity onset diabetes...
McArdle disease
McCune-Albright syndrome
Measles
Mediterranean fever
Megaloblastic anemia
MELAS
Meleda Disease
Melioidosis
Melkersson-Rosenthal...
Melophobia
Meniere's disease
Meningioma
Meningitis
Mental retardation
Mercury (element)
Mesothelioma
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic disorder
Metachondromatosis
Methylmalonic acidemia
Microcephaly
Microphobia
Microphthalmia
Microscopic polyangiitis
Microsporidiosis
Microtia, meatal atresia...
Migraine
Miller-Dieker syndrome
Mitochondrial Diseases
Mitochondrial...
Mitral valve prolapse
Mobius syndrome
MODY syndrome
Moebius syndrome
Molluscum contagiosum
MOMO syndrome
Mondini Dysplasia
Mondor's disease
Monoclonal gammopathy of...
Morquio syndrome
Motor neuron disease
Motorphobia
Moyamoya disease
MPO deficiency
MR
Mucopolysaccharidosis
Mucopolysaccharidosis...
Mullerian agenesis
Multiple chemical...
Multiple endocrine...
Multiple hereditary...
Multiple myeloma
Multiple organ failure
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple system atrophy
Mumps
Muscular dystrophy
Myalgic encephalomyelitis
Myasthenia gravis
Mycetoma
Mycophobia
Mycosis fungoides
Myelitis
Myelodysplasia
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Myelofibrosis
Myeloperoxidase deficiency
Myoadenylate deaminase...
Myocarditis
Myoclonus
Myoglobinuria
Myopathy
Myopia
Myositis
Myositis ossificans
Myxedema
Myxozoa
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Medicines

Clinical features

Mobius syndrome is caused by abnormal development of the cranial nerves. This rare disorder has a number of causes. Most often affected are the cranial nerves VI and VII. Occasionally the cranial nerves V and VIII are affected.

If the cranial nerve VI is affected, the patient suffers from loss of lateral gaze. If cranial nerve VII is affected, the patient suffers from bilateral facial palsy — mask-like expressionless face with mouth constantly held open. If cranial VIII is affected the patient suffers from hearing loss.

Although its rarity often leads to late diagnosis, Infants with this disorder can be identified at birth: by a "mask-like" expression detectable during crying or laughing due to paralysis (palsy) of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves. Other characteristics include:

  • abnormalities in the limbs — their fingers may be webbed, shorter than usual or they may have more than 5 fingers on their hand
  • impaired sucking ability
  • inability to follow objects with the eye—instead the child turns his or her head to follow
  • crossed eyes
  • inability to smile
  • limitation of tongue movement

Later on, the child may develop speech difficulties, crossed eyes, abnormally small eyes, and fluid building up in the lungs, causing bronchopneumonia.

Treatment

There is no specific course of treatment for Mobius syndrome. Treatment is supportive and in accordance with symptoms. Infants may require feeding tubes or special bottles, such as the Haberman Feeder, to maintain sufficient nutrition. Surgery may correct crossed eyes and improve limb and jaw deformities. Physical and speech therapy often improves motor skills and coordination, and leads to better control of speaking and eating abilities. Plastic reconstructive surgery may be beneficial in some individuals. Nerve and muscle transfers to the corners of the mouth have been performed to provide limited ability to smile.

Pathological picture

The causes of Mobius syndrome are poorly understood. Many cases have no obvious cause. Others may be genetic.

Some cases are associated with reciprocal translocation between chromosomes or maternal illness. Some maternal trauma may result in impaired or interrupted blood flow (Ischemia) or lack of oxygen (Hypoxia) to a developing fetus. The use of drugs and a traumatic pregnancy may also be linked to the development of Mobius syndrome. The use of the drugs Misoprostol or Thalidomide by women during pregnancy has been linked to the development of Mobius syndrome in some cases.

Some researchers have suggested that the underlying problem of this disorder could be congenital hypoplasia or agenesis of the cranial nerve nuclei. Certain symptoms associated with Mobius syndrome may be caused by incomplete development of facial nerves, other cranial nerves, and other parts of the central nervous system.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]


ALICE'S SEARCH FOR A SMILE
From Independent, The (London), 7/27/98 by MARTIN McGLOWN

A THREE-year-old Midland girl who cannot smile because of a rare disorder has penned a poignant letter to a top surgeon who is the key to her happiness.

Alice Whitmore's face has been set like stone since birth.

She suffers from Congenital Facial Paralysis which affects around one-in-a-million children.

Operation

The Dudley tot's family are pinning their hopes on a 12-hour operation to be carried out by Canadian surgeon Dr Ronald Zuker - the world's leading expert in the field.

Now Alice has asked her mum to help her write him a letter. It reads:

"Dear Dr Zuker, My name is Alice and I cannot smile. Please can you make me smile so that I can be happy. I know it will hurt but I don't mind . It is what I want more than anything and my mommy wants it too. Please, please, please. Thank you, Alice."

Only one other Briton has undergone the treatment which involves transplanting nerves from the thigh to the face.

Mum ClairCORR said: "There's a saying that a smile doesn't cost anything. Unfortunately, in Alice's case that isn't quite true.

"Most parents take it for granted but it would be a dream come true to see her beam like other children.

"It was her own idea to write the letter, although I gave her a helping hand. She's at that age where she is beginning to realise that something is wrong with her."

The operation, which will cost around pounds 30,000, is due to take place at Wordsley Hospital's plastic surgery unit next spring and a huge fundraising campaign is underway. Alice, who is a huge Walt Disney fan, has already met Dr Zuker twice for check- ups.

Advantage

His skills allowed 27-year-old Karen Taylor, of Codsall, South Staffs, to smile for the first time in March this year. She was born with Moebius Syndrome, a condition similar to Alice's.

"Karen has become Alice's inspiration. They're like sisters," explained Clair, of St George's Road.

"Alice is much younger than Karen which is an advantage. By the time she starts school her smile should look normal."

Copyright 1998 Newspaper Publishing PLC
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Return to Moebius syndrome
Home Contact Resources Exchange Links ebay