Question
In June this year, I brought a 2-and-a-half-year-old boy to Beijing Children’s Hospital. He has delayed cognitive development, can only say simple words like ‘Dad’, can walk, and does not play or communicate with other children. His facial muscles are stiff, and his right eye often tears. He was diagnosed with Mobius Syndrome by the expert Wu Huaisheng. What is this condition?
Answer
Mobius Syndrome is a rare congenital neurological and muscular disorder characterized by facial muscle paralysis and ocular muscle palsy. Patients may experience difficulty swallowing and have very limited facial expressions, sometimes referred to as the ‘mask face’. In severe cases, there may also be limb movement disorders. Approximately 15% of Mobius Syndrome patients have accompanying delayed cognitive development. Currently, there is no effective treatment available.