Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome 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.
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome Definition
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder that basically afflicts facial features
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome 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.
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome 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
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome 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.