Moebius Syndrome

Also known as: Moebius syndrome

What is Moebius syndrome?

Moebius Syndrome is a rare condition which primarily affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, leaving those with the condition unable to move their faces (they can’t smile, frown, suck, grimace or blink their eyes) and unable to move their eyes laterally.

Characteristics of Moebius Syndrome include:

Impaired ability in infants to suck
Inability to follow objects with one's eye -- instead the child turns his/her head to follow
Lack of facial expression
Strabismus (Crossed eyes)
Inability to smile
Motor delays
Hearing problems
Speech difficulties

What causes Moebius Syndrome?

It is thought to be caused by a vascular disruption early in fetal development. It is typically a sporadic occurrence, meaning it is not an inherited condition.

What is the prognosis?

With close medical attention, the prognosis for most children with this condition is positive.

Reviewed by: Saoussen Salhi, MD

This page was last updated on: 4/23/2018 8:47:38 AM

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From the Newsdesk

04/30/2018 — Children who receive care at the Craniofacial Center at Nicklaus Children’s, along with their families, enjoyed an afternoon of red carpet glamour and photo booth fun on April 28.

03/15/2018 — Meet our March Patient of the Month, Theodore. Theodore was diagnosed with cleft palate, cleft lip and a heart problem when he was only 18 weeks old. After he was born, Theodore had to be admitted into the NICU to be able to perform the necessary surgeries for him to live a healthy life.