Date: January 24, 2024
Moebius Awareness Day brings awareness to the syndrome and to honor the birth date of Professor Paul Julius Moebius who first diagnosed the syndrome in 1888. Congenital facial palsy was first discovered by Albrecht Von Graefe in 1880 and is considered the father of modern Ophthalmology. Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day was first recognized in 2011 by The Many Faces of Moebius.
Professor Paul Julius Moebius was a German neurologist who made contributions in the area of mental illness and understanding hysteria. He is considered one of the fathers of psychotherapy. Professor Moebius was the first to identify the syndrome as a rare type of palsy affecting facial expressions.
What is Moebius Syndrome?
Moebius syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder which is characterized by a weakness or paralysis of facial nerves. It is present at birth and affects the muscles that control eye movement and facial expressions including the inability to smile or frown. It is extremely rare and affects 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 500,000 newborns and affects all ethnicities and genders equally.
Signs and symptoms
Moebius Syndrome affects each person differently. The diagnostic criteria include facial paralysis affecting at least one side of the face, paralysis of sideways movement of the eyes and vertical movement of the eyes. Other signs include:
- Cleft Palate
- Dental issues
- Motor Delays
- Difficulty with speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inability to form facial expressions.
- Weakness of the facial muscles
- Dry eyes
What causes Moebius Syndrome?
The causes are unknown. However, it is felt that the condition is more likely caused by genetics involving the genes that are associated with chromosomes 3, 10, and 13. Environmental causes are also a factor including the use of drugs during pregnancy. In some cases, it can occur in families with no history of the disorder in the family.
Moebius Syndrome is typically diagnosed through sign and symptoms and detailed patient history.
Updated 12/29/23
