asymmetric crying facies

[TATY18]

My 16 month old daughter was born with this condition as i have just found ot 2 days ago through an eco cardiogram test. we knew she was born with a small ASD & have been going to therapy for facial palsy & it's been a long tough year for us as parents & for her in trying to figure out what was wrong with her mouth (lower lip). After learning of this rare disorder "Asymmetric Crying Facies" all i can do is wonder if my daughter's lower lip ever look normal or will it stay like that forever?? and if behaverial & developmental delays are associated with this condition that my 16 month old is also showing?

[Tom Plamondon PA-C]

Hello,
Thanks for writing in.

Asymmetic crying facies (ACF) is a rare condition. It involves the depressor anguli oris muscle which is either missing or very small. The muscles of the upper face are normal so the nasal and eye expressions should look normal. According to medical literature, the condition is benign and over time, the facial asymmetry should improve. It is documented that ACF is associated with cardovascular abnormalities like ASD.

I have not read of any other associated abnormalies (eg hydrocephalus or cerebral palsy) which would cause developmental delay.

reference: UptoDate 2009, Tiffany M McGee-Garrett MD

All the best to you and your daughter.

[TATY18]

Thank you for your response & time. Yes indeed it is related to her small ASD & we have been told that MAYBE as she grows this condition may diminish but for now we are dealing with it, and i continue to give her therapy although she no longer receives this professionally, but as a parent i continue the same exercises at home with her. i have seen more movement to this muscle as she can now chew food on that side thanks to the therapies she received. So indeed we are faithful & hoping this will continue to hep as well as all the support we receive from family & friends & doctors like yourself. Once again i thank you for your time & response.