Better Known Facial Abnormality Syndromes And Disorders
Facial abnormality in this case refers to congenital disorders and not facial abnormalities or deformities caused by accidents or disease. The causes behind several types of facial abnormalities are in some instances understood and in others not understood at all. Presented are several of the better known facial abnormality syndromes.
Hemi-Facial And Goldenhar Syndrome - The Hemi-Facial Microsomia disorder features the underdevelopment of one of the ears, in some cases the ear being missing entirely. The same side of the face having the underdeveloped ear may also be characterized by a poorly formed jaw, cheek, or both. Sometimes the vertebrae in the neck are imperfectly formed as well, and in a few cases, deformities are noted on both sides of the face and head. In this case the condition is known as the Goldenhar syndrome. The abnormal appearance of the cheek and jaw are due to underdeveloped muscles, and when one or both ears are affected, the middle ear and ear canal may be deformed to the point deafness results. The Goldenhar syndrome is sometimes not limited to the head or neck, and at times can cause abnormalities in the heart and kidneys. Despite the drawbacks, those suffering from this syndrome usually exhibit normal intelligence, though many suffer from speech problems.
Treacher-Collins - Not quite as severe, though severe enough is the Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by malformed jaw bones, nose, and cheek bones. Ears may also be malformed, and like the Goldenhar syndrome, deafness may result. Those having Treacher Collins syndrome often have drooping eyelids, and in some instances suffer from a cleft palate with associated dental and breathing problems.
Sturge-Weber - The Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder affecting the skin, eyes, and the brain. The affect on the skin is usually that of a pronounced birthmark, usually referred to as a port wine stain, and is caused by an abnormal collection of blood vessels. The stain usually appears on the forehead or scalp, and often in the skin around the eye as well. Blood vessels may also collect in the covering of the brain, and in the inner lining of the eyes as well. Most often, only one side of the brain is affected. Instances where both sides are affected are quite rare. Those afflicted with the Sturge-Weber syndrome are more often than not subject to epileptic seizures, episodic migraine headaches, as well as a general weakness on one side of the body, and learning disabilities as well.
Treatment of any one of these conditions of course varies greatly depending upon the severity of the condition. In some instances corrective surgery may be a possibility, and in some instances certain of the symptoms may be relieved through medication, but in the more severe cases, there is often little that can be done to relieve either the symptoms or cure what is for the most part an incurable situation. While these syndromes and disorders are among the better known causes of facial abnormality, they are relatively uncommon, and due to a wide diversity in the symptoms experienced, a standard form of treatment or means of dealing with any of these conditions is almost impossible to develop. It is especially difficult of course when the condition affects more than just the facial muscles, and affects organs or tissues in other parts of the body as well. Compounding the difficulty in finding meaningful courses of treatment is the fact that in almost all cases the underlying causes of the disorders remain for the most part unknown. Those who have experienced a facial abnormality due to an accident of course are also deserving of sympathy, but usually have far less to cope with than those suffering from one of the above syndromes.