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Mobius Syndrome Meobius Clinical features Mobius syndrome (also spelled Moebius) 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. 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. Along with this, infants also suffer from abnormalities in their limbs — their fingers may be webbed, shorter than usual or they may have more than 5 fingers on their hand. 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 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. The use of drugs and a traumatic pregnancy may also be linked to the development of Mobius syndrome. Some researchers have suggested that the underlying problem of this disorder could be congenital hypoplasia or agenesis of the cranial nerve nuclei. External links
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