What is Moebius Syndrome, What Are Its Symptoms, How Is It Diagnosed?

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disease. Facial nerves are underdeveloped in patients with Moebius syndrome and it is difficult to control their facial expressions. It is also commonly known as facial paralysis. In the case of congenital facial paralysis, the left and right areas of the face are usually affected at the same time. The facial muscles in the left and right regions are not working, which can affect speech or eating in patients with Moebius syndrome.

As a result of the study, no conclusive evidence was found as to why Moebius syndrome occurs. However, studies to date have shown that this syndrome is transmitted through genetic factors. Environmental factors are also effective in the emergence of this syndrome. In most cases, Moebius Syndrome is intermittent and can affect people with no family history of Moebius Syndrome. In a small part of the reported cases, the disease can be reflected in the family.

Diagnosis and early treatment of this disease is crucial to recognizing the symptoms and consulting a doctor. It manifests itself as personal, language and nutritional problems with its symptoms. You may see more symptoms with changes in the eyes. These people have trouble when they turn their eyes the other way.

Although symptoms first appear with changes in the structure of the eye, these differences and symptoms can be seen and understood through the mouth and teeth. Because the movement of the teeth is the opposite of normal. Therefore, these people also have bruises at a younger age. There may also be some differences in the internal organs. They may also have difficulty learning.

The main cause of Moebius syndrome is unknown today. However, the possibility of Moebius syndrome in humans is possible through a genetic pathway. Research in the medical community shows that Moebius syndrome is passed from parents to their children due to genetics. Environmental factors are also effective in the development of Moebius syndrome.

Treatment of Moebius syndrome requires the collaboration of specialists in various fields such as neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery and tongue pathology to assess the child's condition and determine the course of treatment. Moebius Syndrome most commonly affects language.

How is Moebius Syndrome Treated?

In the treatment of Moebius syndrome, neurologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons and speech pathologists, along with other doctors/experts in various fields, should evaluate your child's condition and determine treatment.

For Moebius syndrome, bottle and tube feeding can be done at an early age. Various surgeries may also be recommended to treat Moebius syndrome. For example, surgery may be one of the most effective solutions to relieve strabismus caused by Moebius syndrome. Surgery to rejuvenate facial muscles and improve mimic functions (such as smiling) in patients with Moebius syndrome is also one of the most commonly used treatments.

What are the Genetic Changes of the Syndrome?

Although the exact cause of Moebius syndrome is not known, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors. The abnormal growth of these nerves causes the characteristic signs of Moebius syndrome, such as facial weakness or muscle paralysis. Before starting treatment, any other underlying medical condition should be investigated and reviewed by a specialist.

Some studies have shown that children with Moebius syndrome are at higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorders, a group of disorders known as communication and social interaction disorders, than unaffected children. Recent research explains why. Difficulty in eye contact and speech is one of the main causes in patients with Moebius syndrome due to physical differences.

• Facial paralysis due to weakness of facial muscles
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Frequent drooling while speaking
• Facial expression problems
• Various hearing problems
• Difficulty making facial expressions, often inability to make any facial expressions. (In the case of Moebius syndrome, conditions such as frowning, smiling, eye and lip mimicry are almost absent under normal circumstances.)