Moebius syndrome is a rare birth defect caused by the absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves. These cranial nerves are primarily responsible for eye movements and facial expressions. Moebius syndrome can also affect other cranial nerves, such as the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 12th. A warning sign of this condition is usually present at birth (for example, inability to suckle). Additional signs or symptoms may include: problems eating, swallowing, and choking; cross-eyed eyes; lack of facial expressions; inability to smile; high or split palate; and speech difficulties. Malformations of the tongue, jaw, and limbs may also be present. Visual symptoms become more dominant as children get older (e.g., absence of smiles and facial expressions). 30 to 40% of children with Moebius syndrome have some degree of autism. There is no cure for Moebius syndrome, nor any specific treatment route. Treatment options such as surgery, physical and speech therapy, reconstructive plastic surgery, and nerve and muscle transfers are strictly supportive and depend primarily on the person's symptoms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Research into Moebius syndrome has increased significantly over the past 10 years. The Moebius Syndrome Foundation has partnered with the National Institute of Health (NIH), NIH Office of Rare Diseases (ORD), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) , and numerous researchers from 9 countries around the world to increase awareness and clinical research into this disorder. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there are a total of 4 studies regarding Moebius syndrome: Oral language impairments in Mobius syndrome - University of Fortaleza (completed) Positive exposure: one photographic and video intervention for people with craniofacial disorders. Differences - National Human Genome Research (Completed)Study of Moebius Syndrome and Congenital Facial Weakness Disorders - National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (Recruiting)Genetic Studies of Strabismus, Congenital Cranial Dysinnervation Disorders (CCDD) and their associated abnormalities - Boston Children's Hospital (recruitment)Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurological disorder. It is determined at birth by its port wine-colored birthmark on one side of the face, specifically on the forehead and upper eyelid. The color of this birthmark varies from light pink to dark purple. It is caused by an excessive amount of capillaries located below the surface of the face, around the trigeminal nerve. Other indicators of Sturge-Weber syndrome are abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the brain, loss of nerve cells, and calcification of the underlying tissue. in the cerebral cortex of the brain. These signs will appear on the same side of the brain as the birthmark. Neurological symptoms, such as seizures, usually occur on the opposite side of the body from which the birthmark is located. These generally begin in early childhood and intensify with age. Other symptoms include occasional or permanent muscle weakness on the same side, developmental delays and cognitive impairment, glaucoma (present at..