Moebius syndrome.

Moebius syndrome consists of congenital complete or partial facial nerve palsy with or without paralysis of other cranial nerves (most commonly an abducens paralysis) and often associated with other malformations of the limbs and orofacial structures. The first description of congenital facial diplegia was given by von Graaefe in 18801 and this was soon followed by other reports. Moebius2 3 drew attention to the association of congenital facial diplegia with other malformations. Alternative terms4 used to describe the syndrome include congenital facial diplegia, nuclear agenesis, congenital nuclear hypoplasia, congenital oculofacial paralysis, and congenital abducens-facial paralysis. There is considerable overlap with the hypoglossia-hypodactyly syndrome, the glossopalatine-ankylosis syndrome, and Charlie-M syndrome.4 The criteria for diagnosis are difficult to define; however, based on previous published reviews,5-7 the following guidelines should assist in making a diagnosis of Moebius syndrome.