Moebius syndrome - improving outcome with combined state-of-the-art surgical and rehabilitation treatments

Authors

  • João Paulo Castro Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho; Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade do Porto
  • Luís Afonso Vouga Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto; Fisimaia – Clínica Fisiátrica da Maia
  • Inês Santos Jorge Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
  • Maria Paz Cunha Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
  • Rosa Amorim Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
  • Lurdes Palhau Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v30.i2.18911

Keywords:

facial paralysis, Moebius syndrome, occupational therapy, physiatry, physical therapy, stroke; paediatric; perinatal; neuroplasticity; functionality; rehabilitation, Speech Therapy

Abstract

Moebius Syndrome (MBS) is a rare disorder, characterized by congenital, non-progressive facial palsy and other cranial and limb defects. A typical “mask-like” appearance, drooling, and indistinct speech comprise the dominant features.

Treatment focuses on correcting deformities and enhancing functionality. Surgical free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) is the gold standard for facial reanimation. A comprehensive rehabilitation program addressing motor, cognitive, and social impairment is paramount, despite the scarcity of knowledge regarding MBS rehabilitation, especially concerning central nervous system reorganization.

A six-year-old boy with MBS received treatment in our Department since the age of four months, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Recently, he underwent facial reanimation surgery.

The authors believe that rehabilitation improved the patient’s outcome by enhancing cortical representation before and neuroplasticity after surgery. Coordination of both interventions seems pivotal to fully address MBS.

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References

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Castro JP, Vouga LA, Jorge IS, Cunha MP, Amorim R, Palhau L. Moebius syndrome - improving outcome with combined state-of-the-art surgical and rehabilitation treatments. REVNEC [Internet]. 2021Jun.30 [cited 2024Mar.29];30(2):105-8. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/18911

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Case Reports

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