A patient who has NEVER been able to blink or close his eyes

[raindrop]

He was my patient for only a few hours yesterday. Since he was just an outpatient getting an ABT, his chart didn't have any type of history. He told me that he was born with the condition of not being able to blink or close his eyes. He said he was a preemie and the muscles just didn't develop. He is in his 40's, and also, he had a pretty bad speech impediment (not sure if there is any correlation).

So any of you know what the name of this condition may be? I just want to find out more about it, because I have never seen or heard of anybody not being able to do that. I wonder how often he has to apply eyedrops....how does he sleep (I'm assuming he has to roll his eyes back....?)

Poor guy probably had a rough time growing up......I feel so bad for him. I know that after a stressful day, the first thing I want to do is close my eyes with a warm pack over 'em.

[dusky1228]

He could have Moebius syndrome too. Is he able to smile? Moebius syndrome is a congenital disorder that comes with paralysis of the 8th cranial nerve. Therefore, they can't change facial expression, nor close their eyes completely, and often have speech problems because of the lack of mobility of their facial muscles.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

The facial nerve is the 7th cranial nerve which controls facial expression and movement.

[bethin]

I took care of a pt a while ago who couldn't blink. He said he has prescription eye drops that he uses frequently and that he tapes his eyelids shut to sleep.

[NurseCard, ADN]

Don't know much about this particular syndrome, but my poor husband went about six months without being able to blink or close his eyes back when he was 20, due to having bilateral Bell's Palsy. Can't imagine someone having to deal with that all of their life!

[dusky1228]

The facial nerve is the 7th cranial nerve which controls facial expression and movement.

Oops, sorry! It was a typo. I meant the 7th cranial nerve (for Moebius syndrome).