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Moebius Syndrome
Abstract
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NORD is very grateful to John B. Mulliken, MD, Director, Craniofacial Centre, Department of Plastic Oral Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Synonyms of Moebius Syndrome
- congenital facial diplegia syndrome
- congenital oculofacial paralysis
- MBS
- Mobius syndrome
- Moebius sequence
Disorder Subdivisions
- No subdivisions found.
General Discussion
Summary
Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis (palsy) of multiple cranial nerves, most often the 6th (abducens) and 7th (facial) nerves. Other cranial nerves are sometimes affected. The disorder is present at birth (congenital). If the 7th nerve is involved, the individual with Moebius syndrome is unable to smile, frown, pucker the lips, raise the eyebrows, or close the eyelids. If the 7th nerve is affected, the eye cannot turn outward past the midline. Other abnormalities include underdevelopment of the pectoral muscles and defects of the limbs. Moebius syndrome is not progressive. The exact cause is unknown. It appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically) in most cases; however, some cases run in families suggesting that there may be a genetic component.
Introduction
Moebius syndrome is named after Paul Julius Mobius, a German neurologist, who first described the disorder in 1888. There has been disagreement in the medical literature as to a precise definition of the disorder.
Organizations related to Moebius Syndrome
NORD offers an online community for this rare disease. RareConnect was created by EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) to provide a safe space where individuals and families affected by rare diseases can connect with each other, share vital experiences, and find helpful information and resources. You can view these international, rare disease communities at www.rareconnect.org.
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