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Mobius (Moebius) Syndrome
Professor Paul Julius Möbius
Facial paralysis is the most overt symptom related to Mobius syndrome. Children’s facial expression and function are impaired with an inability to suck and smile. Furthermore, the patients have strabismus and present with significant drooling and mask-like appearance Limb anomalies such as club foot can also occur in up to 25% of the patients. This rare syndrome is typically bilateral but can have asymmetric presentation with one side having some limited movement. Professor Paul Julius Möbius (Pictured above) was the first physician to describe this rare disease in 1884.
The treatment options for creating a normal face should be considered before the children enter school. For duel facial paralysis, The Institute for Facial Paralysis prefers to use microsurgical trigeminal-gracilis muscle transfer. This procedure involves transfer of the gracilis muscle (from the inner thigh) to the face and attachment to the trigeminal nerve which controls the muscles for chewing. This muscle and nerve transfer allows the children to control the movement of the face voluntarily. Each side of the face must be performed in separate stages. Typically the first operation is performed when the child has turned 6. The second stage is performed at age 7. The psychosocial implications for surgical reanimation are very important. A child should not go through life with this deformity when something can be done immediately. (Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/mobius/mobius.htm )
Other surgical procedures that can be considered are static suspension with tensor fascia lata, temporalis transfer and eyelid reconstruction, but only when it is warranted. Contact us on behalf of your child for their "Mobius reconstruction" needs. We have what is considered the most advanced techniques in the facial paralysis field along with surgeons who are widely known and respected.
"Mobius" is a serious hurdle in a child’s life. Please call The Facial Paralysis Institute anytime for a free consultation on how we may be able to treat your condition.
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