Craniofacial clinics are multi-disciplinary centers focused on differences of the face or head, caused by congenital conditions, disease, or trauma. While the teams vary from clinic to clinic, a plastic surgeon is often a key player on the staff.

Dentists monitor oral health. Moebius syndrome may come with additional dental concerns due to mouth structure.

In the United States, early intervention programs are designed to help children with developmental delays and/or disabilities. Since the programs are run by each state, the programs vary widely in what they offer. Early intervention may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy, speech therapy, free adaptive equipment, and more. Learn more.

ENTs are ear, nose, and throat specialists. They are familiar with conditions that impact the airway, sinuses, head, and neck. They can also advise and remove tongue, lip, and buccal ties. They may also diagnose and treat vocal cord paralyzation, Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS), secretion management, and swallowing disorders.

Gastroenterologists have expertise in the digestive system. They may be consulted for feeding tubes, reflux, constipation, and other gastrointestinal concerns. 

A geneticist or genetics counselor can diagnose, counsel, and treat families with genetic (hereditary) conditions. While Moebius syndrome does not have a currently known genetic cause, some genetic conditions may present similarly to Moebius syndrome in clinical evaluations. These professionals may also be involved in genetic research of Moebius syndrome.

Neurologists hold expertise in the operation of the body’s nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists are a crucial players on the team to diagnose Moebius syndrome.

Occupational therapists (OT) focus on daily activities, such as eating and dressing, and fine motor, visual motor, and sensory processing skills. OTs typically work closely with SLPs and have shared goals towards feeding. 

Ophthalmologists are surgically trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat eye conditions. They are doctors of medicine (MD) or doctors of osteopathy (DO) who have extensive training in eye and vision conditions. Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists and opticians, who do not have medical degrees. 

Individuals with Moebius syndrome benefit from an evaluation by ophthalmology and continuous monitoring for dry eye, the development of strabismus, and other eye conditions.

Orthopedic doctors treat muscle, bone, and joint conditions and injuries. They can diagnose and treat club feet, limb differences, hand differences,  and other conditions.

Also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, physiatrists evaluate and monitor conditions of the bones, joints, muscles and nervous system. These providers can prescribe braces, walkers, standing devices, and other assistive devices. They can also help manage chronic pain.

Physical therapists are trained in gross motor skills, which involve large muscle groups that help with activities like walking, running, kicking, and climbing. Physical therapists will work to improve a child’s strength and endurance, range of motion, and balance and coordination.

Plastic surgeons treat abnormalities of the face, skull, and hands, cleft lip and palate, and more. This speciality treats children for cleft repairs, smile surgeries, hand surgeries, and other craniofacial concerns.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.” SLPs may treat speech, feeding, pronunciation, oral motor movements, and receptive and expressive language.