The symptoms of Moebius syndrome are dental problems, cleft palate, trouble swallowing or sucking, difficulties in speech and frequent drooling, weakness and or complete paralysis of the facial muscles and inability to form facial expressions sch as closing eyes, puckering lips, raising eyebrows, frowning and smiling.
Moebius syndrome is type of a rare congenital condition that results from underdevelopment of the facial nerves that control some of the eye movements and facial expressions.
The condition of Moebius syndrome is present at birth.
Moebius syndrome can also affect the nerves responsible for speech, chewing and swallowing.
The condition Moebius syndrome is characterized by facial paralysis and the inability to move the eyes from side to side.
Most people with Möbius syndrome are born with complete facial paralysis and cannot close their eyes or form facial expressions.
Between 30 to 40 percent of children with Moebius syndrome have some degree of autism.
There is no cure for Moebius syndrome.
And despite the challenges that Moebius syndrome brings, people living with the disorder may have an average life expectancy if they get proper care and treatment.
Moebius syndrome is non-progressive and people with moebius syndrome are usually of normal intelligence and full life expectancy is the norm.
The features present with moebius syndrome may result in children of women who have taken one of several compounds, including misoprostol, cocaine, thalidomide or ergot derivatives, at around the 6–8 week period of gestation.
Weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles is one of the most common features of Moebius syndrome.
Affected individuals lack facial expressions; they cannot smile, frown, or raise their eyebrows.
Some affected children with moebius syndrome may exhibit delay in attaining certain milestones such as crawling or walking, most likely due to upper body weakness; however, most children eventually catch-up.
Moebius syndrome rarely is associated with minor intellectual disability.
Moebius syndrome may also be associated with a somewhat increased risk of intellectual disability, however, most affected individuals have normal intelligence.
The exact incidence of Moebius syndrome is unknown.
Babies born with Moebius syndrome have weak or paralyzed facial muscles that affect their facial expression and eye movement.
Hypotonia (muscle weakness), which is associated with Moebius syndrome, may also contribute to speech, feeding, and oral motor movement difficulties.
Feeding tubes may be needed for some individuals.