The faces of Moebius syndrome: recognition and anticipatory guidance

MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2008 Sep-Oct;33(5):272-8; quiz 279-80. doi: 10.1097/01.NMC.0000334892.45979.d5.

Abstract

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized mainly by the inability to move the eyes laterally or produce facial expressions such as smiling. Moebius syndrome creates physical problems for the affected individual that may, in some cases, lead to emotional or social adjustment issues, yet the syndrome is relatively unknown among healthcare professionals. Because early recognition of Moebius syndrome can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, education of nurses in perinatal, pediatric, midwifery, and neonatal specialties is crucial. Through early recognition, maternal-child nurses can offer anticipatory guidance and provide or recommend resources to parents of children with this neurological condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Cost of Illness
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Eye Movements
  • Facial Expression
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Maternal-Child Nursing* / methods
  • Mobius Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Mobius Syndrome / etiology
  • Mobius Syndrome / psychology
  • Mobius Syndrome / therapy*
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Assessment* / methods
  • Parents / education
  • Parents / psychology
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pediatric Nursing* / methods
  • Psychology, Child
  • Rare Diseases
  • Self Concept
  • Social Isolation