title: Möbius and Möbius-like patients: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options.
abstract: The surgical goal in Mobius patients is far more modest and differs from patients with unilateral developmental facial paralysis. It is impossible to restore a true smile in these mask-like, expressionless faces. Despite sophisticated microneurovascular transplantations, movement can only be restored along one vector and enhanced firmness in the cheeks, thus multiple differentiated facial animation is not achievable. A detailed neurological evaluation can identify possible motor donors or residual function, which can be used for additional dynamic restorations. Due to the multiple cranial nerve involvement a thorough clinical and electrophysiological examination is mandatory. In addition, electromyographic survey of the potential motor donors is very helpful to avoid weak wasted regeneration and prevent further downgrading of function. Because of the variety of cranial nerves involved in Möbius' syndrome, a standard procedure for dynamic restoration cannot and should not be promoted; instead, a careful preoperative objective and quantitative assessment should guide the reconstructive surgeon to the optimal reconstruction strategy. Useful movement can be restored in afflicted patients that may signal physical and psychological rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Microsurgical Research Center, 700 Olney Road, Lewis Hall #2055, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA. mrc1@erols.com
authors.forename: Julia K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Terzis
authors.forename: Ernst Magnus
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Noah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020331:Mobius Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps