Moebius syndrome

At Children’s Hospital Boston, our care is informed by our research, and our discoveries in the laboratory strengthen the care we provide at each child's bedside. Children’s scientific research program is one of the largest and most active of any pediatric hospital in the world.

In particular, our neurology and plastic and oral surgery researchers are yielding crucial insights into the causes and progression of disorders like Moebius syndrome, paving the way for promising new treatments.

Some of our latest research endeavors include:

Understanding how babies’ brains interpret facial emotions
Charles A. Nelson, PhD, research director of Children’s Division of Developmental Medicine, is studying how babies and children process faces and facial emotion, using techniques that monitor electrical and metabolic activity in the brain. Learn more.

How do genetics influence eye movement disorders?
Children’s neurologist Elizabeth Engle, MD, and her team are exploring the genetic causes of the complex eye movement syndromes known as congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders. Learn more.

Analyzing the genetics of misaligned eyes
Children’s has initiated a large, ongoing study to determine the genetic basis for childhood strabismus. Because adult strabismus is often a condition that carries over from childhood, this research is highly pertinent to sufferers of adult strabismus, as well.

Clinical trials

Children’s is known for pioneering some of the most effective diagnostic tools, therapies and preventive approaches in pediatric medicine. A significant part of our success comes from our commitment to research—and to advancing the frontiers of health care by conducting clinical trials.

Children’s coordinates hundreds of clinical trials at any given time. Clinical trials are studies that may involve:

• evaluating the effectiveness of a new drug therapy
• testing a new diagnostic procedure or device
• examining a new treatment method for a particular condition
• taking a closer look at the causes and progression of specific diseases 

Children’s is involved in several multi-site clinical trials and studies. While all patients must meet strict criteria in order to be eligible for a clinical trial, your child may be eligible to take part in a study. Before considering this option, you should be sure to:

• consult with your child’s treating physician and treatment team
• gather as much information as possible about the specific course of action outlined in the trial
• do your own research about the latest breakthroughs relating to your child’s condition 

Taking part in a clinical trial at Children’s is entirely voluntary. Our team will be sure to fully address any questions you may have, and you may remove your child from the medical study at any time. 

• Search current and upcoming clinical trials at Children’s
• Search the National Institutes of Health’s list of clinical trials taking place around the world