Definition:
Hemifacial microsomia is a congenital disease wherein the lower half of the face is undeveloped. The parts most commonly affected are the mandible, ears, and mouth, and can affect either one side of the face or both.
Hemifacial microsomia may lead to complications in breathing, as it may obstruct the trachea.
Treatment:
It is best to wait until the infant is slightly older to turn to surgery, although it is the most common form of treatment. If surgery is done during early phases, it may highlight the symptoms. Rib graft is a common correctional procedure.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of hemifacial microsomia include auricular deformities, asymmetry of face, and in severe cases, underdevelopment of: side of the skull, teeth, middle and external ear, teeth, upper and lower jaw, and some nerves involved in facial movement.
Causes:
Hemifacial microsomia usually occurs sporadically, but in some families it may be inherited. They may have certain genetic patterns such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and multifactorial.
The condition occurs during fetal stages of pregnancy, where a vascular problem results in poor supply of blood to the face and causes clotting. There is no evidence that this is caused due to a mother's activities while she was carrying the child.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
