Congenital unilateral absence of facial nerve with hypoplastic abducens nerve: A case report of rare Moebius syndrome

Dr Sonia Kashyap,Dr Sandesh Guleria,Dr Ankur Dharmani,Dr Swati Thakur

doi:10.17511/ijpr.2020.i06.13

Abstract

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital neurological disorder characterized by bilateral facial and abducens nerve paralysis. The syndrome may also include involvement of the other cranial nerves and various other congenital deformities and malformations. A one-month-old male infant presented with facial asymmetry, inability to close eye, and drooling of saliva from one side of the mouth, diagnosed to have Moebius syndrome. Early diagnosis of the cases by experienced clinicians and a supportive multidisciplinary approach can help children with Moebius syndrome and prevent associated complications.

Highlights

Congenital facial nerve palsy is clinically defined as unilateral or bilateral paralysis of the facial nerve in the neonatal period
Condition was originally described by Von Graefe in 1880 and by Moebius in 1888
A one-month-old male infant was brought to our hospital with complaints of facial asymmetry, inability to close the left eye, and drooling of saliva from the left side of the mouth

Summary

Introduction

Congenital facial nerve palsy is clinically defined as unilateral or bilateral paralysis of the facial nerve in the neonatal period. Etiology includes intrapartum injury or various developmental disorders [1]. Facial nerve aplasia is an extremely uncommon anomaly, usually associated with Moebius syndrome. Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital neurological disorder characterized by bilateral facial and abducens nerve paralysis. Condition was originally described by Von Graefe in 1880 and by Moebius in 1888. An International Group of Experts at the Moebius Syndrome Foundation in 2007 formulated diagnostic criteria for diagnostic consistency, which include congenital facial diplegia or uniplegia, lower motor neuron (LMN) type in nature, and paralysis of lateral movements of eyes and strabismus due to Manuscript Received 2020-08-10

Ethical Approval Yes

Discussion

Conclusion