Definition:
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder that basically afflicts facial
features
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of the syndrome is usually made by identifying 1 or 2 variants, the most frequently occurring
being Granulomatous cheilitis of Miescher (GC). Another marker to look for is orofacial edema which has
been found in about half of the cases.
Treatment:
The treatment of choice is based on symptoms and include drug therapies using nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to reduce the facial swelling Other drugs used include antibiotics
and immunosuppressants. Surgery may be a possible option if it becomes necessary to relieve pressure
on the facial nerves as well as to reduce tissue that has become excessively swollen. Other treatments to
alleviate the swlling include massages and even electrical stimulation. The disease may recur
intermittently after it makes its first appearance and can develop into a chronic disorder.
Symptoms and Signs:
The most obvious symptoms immediately indicative of the disease is recurring facial paralysis, the face
and the upper lips swell disproportionately and folds and furrows develop on the tongue. Appearance of
the symptoms is during early childhood up to early teens. The attacks which are recurring can last
anywhere from days to years with the swelling changing in severity. Eventually, the swelling becomes
permanent and the lips may harden, crack and become discolored
Causes:
The cause of this disease is unknown but there is evidence to suggest that it may be genetically
determined as it has been found to share similarities with of Crohn's disease or sarcoidosis.
:
melkerssonrosenthalsyndrome
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