What is Moebius syndrome?Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control facial expression and eye m
What is Moebius syndrome?
Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control facial expression and eye movement. The signs and symptoms of this condition are present from birth. Other cranial nerves are sometimes affected.
Signs & Symptoms Moebius Syndrome
Cranial Nerves and their functions
- I Olfactory (Smell)
- II Optic (Sight)
- III Oculomotor (Moves eyelid and eyeball and adjusts the pupil and lens of the eye)
- IV Trochlear (Moves eyeballs)
- V Trigeminal (Facial muscles incl. chewing; Facial sensations)
- VI Abducens (Moves eyeballs)
- VII Facial (Taste, tears, saliva, facial expressions)
- VIII Vestibulocochlear (Auditory)
- IX Glossopharyngeal (Swallowing, saliva, taste)
- X Vagus (Control of PNS e.g. smooth muscles of GI tract)
- XI Accessory (Moving head & shoulders, swallowing)
- XII Hypoglossal (Tongue muscles – speech & swallowing)
Infants with Moebius syndrome may drool excessively and exhibit crossed eyes (strabismus). Because the eyes do not move from side-to-side (literally), the child is forced to turn the head to follow objects. Affected infants may also have difficulties feeding, including problems swallowing and poor sucking. Also, Corneal ulceration may occur because the eyelids remain open during sleep.
Some studies have suggested that autism spectrum disorders occur with greater frequency in children with Moebius syndrome; other studies have not confirmed this and suggest that any such relationship is overstated. Moebius syndrome is often associated with a variety of social and psychological consequences. The lack of facial expressions and the inability to smile can cause medical professionals to misinterpret what an affected patient is thinking or feeling or intends. Although clinical anxiety and depression are not more common in children and adolescents with Moebius syndrome, the affected patient may avoid social situations due to apprehension and frustration.
Causes of Moebius Syndrome
Diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome
Treatment of Moebius Syndrome
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and others
Last modified: 11 Jun, 2018