Moebius syndrome: this influencer “can’t smile”

Since her birth, the face of the Brazilian influencer, Paula Paiva, is expressionless. According to New York Post, she suffers from Moebius syndrome. It is a rare birth defect caused by the absence or underdevelopment of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves that control facial expression and eye movements. According to Necker hospitalit is characterized by bilateral facial paralysis. “The facial expressions are very poor and the inability to turn the eyes to the side gives the appearance of a strabismus. The opening of the mouth is often limited, a partial impairment of the motor skills of the tongue is present in a third cases”, can we read on the website of the health establishment.

Moebius Syndrome: “I remember always receiving hurtful comments”

In an interview, the 26-year-old content creator explains that she “can’t smile, close my mouth or eyes, or show any emotion. I suffer from anxiety because of this.” During his first years of life, doctors were unable to make a diagnosis. “I ended up in intensive care because they had to give me a feeding tube because I couldn’t feed on breast milk. At the time, a practitioner said I would have a life expectancy of up to three years .” After carrying out numerous tests, health professionals discovered that she had Moebius syndrome.

“I tried to improve myself every day. For example, I only took my first steps on my second birthday”, confided Paula Paiva. During her adolescence, she was the victim of mockery. “I remember always receiving different looks, jokes and hurtful comments. But the worst time was between 10 and 12 years old. I heard these thoughts and I felt bad. So I isolated myself to avoid ‘hear the comments.’ Then her parents decided to transfer her to a new school, where the girl made friends.

No specific treatment for Moebius syndrome

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokethere is no cure for Moebius syndrome, the origin of which is “uncertain”. “Microneurovascular free muscle transfer is the solution of choice for facial paralysis and resuscitation of the midfacial region. Ocular abnormalities are treated by standard methods. Rehabilitation (physiotherapy, oral motor skills, psychomotor skills/speech) should begin as soon as possible. as early as possible and be adapted over time according to functional assessments. The appearance of the patient’s face has a psychological impact, so communication between the affected child and his parents is one of the subjects to be addressed.”clarified the Orphanet.