Current special Baby City - Valid from 19.05 to 19.06 - Page nb 54

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nasal, slurred, or monotone because facial muscles don't move to shape words the way they do in people without the condition. Swallowing difficulties are also common. Babies may struggle with breastfeeding or sucking from a bottle, often needing feeding tubes in early life. Some children also experience occasional drooling (due to the inability to swallow as necessary). Dental and jaw development People with Moebius syndrome often have a high-arched palate, a small jaw (micrognathia), and missing or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment is often needed to align the teeth properly, and some individuals may require jaw surgery to improve function. Hearing and speech development Some people with Moebius syndrome experience partial hearing loss, which can further impact speech development. Hearing “> BETTER LIFE impairment may be due to structural differences in the ear or frequent ear infections caused by abnormal Eustachian tube function. Early hearing assessments are important so children can receive support, such as hearing aids or speech therapy, if needed. Limb and skeletal differences Around 30% of people with Moebius syndrome are born with club feet, which require bracing, or surgery to correct. Others may have chest wall abnormalities, such as Poland syndrome, where muscles on one side of the chest are underdeveloped or missing. Some individuals also experience muscle weakness in their arms and legs, which can affect coordination and mobility. The social and emotional impact When we meet someone new, we naturally look for facial cues. Does their smile say they're friendly? Does their expression show they're interested in what we're saying? People often assume that someone with Moebius syndrome is distant or disengaged because they aren't showing emotions. But the reality is, they feel joy, sadness, and every emotion just like anyone else - it's just not reflected in their expression. BREAKING NEW GROUND IN TREATMENT The field of facial reanimation surgery has made remarkable strides in recent years. The surgery typically involves transplanting muscle tissue from the thigh to the face and connecting it to a different nerve system - often the masseteric nerve - which controls chewing. “We're essentially creating a new pathway for facial movement,” adds Tarri. “When successful, patients can learn to smile by clenching their teeth slightly, which activates the transplanted muscle.”