Goldenhar Syndrome Treatment in Dallas, TX

Goldenhar syndrome is a rare condition that can affect multiple areas of the face and mouth. Treating this condition is complex, which is why parents trust the specialists of the International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas for their expertise in treating Goldenhar syndrome.

What Is Goldenhar Syndrome?

Among the syndromes that we treat, Goldenhar syndrome, otherwise known as Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral (OAV) syndrome, is a condition present from birth that mostly affects the development of the ears, nose, soft palate, lip, and mandible. It was first documented in 1952 by Maurice Goldenhar, which is how it earned its name.

How Do People Inherit Goldenhar Syndrome?

While it is not considered a genetic disorder, scientists conjecture that a genetic factor may be part of a multifaceted cause since it is a rare syndrome which is sometimes seen in families more than once. It is still not widely understood.

How Common Is Goldenhar Syndrome?

Goldenhar syndrome is considered quite rare, with only 1 in every 3,500 to 25,000 live births diagnosed.

Goldenhar Syndrome Characteristics

Goldenhar syndrome is characterized by the incomplete development of lips, ears, nose, soft palate, and mandible, generally on one side of the body. It can also cause incomplete development – or entire absence – of organs. Although it generally affects one side of the body, about 10% of cases occur with defects on both sides of the body. Victims of this syndrome may also suffer from scoliosis, hearing loss, deafness or blindness unilaterally and sometimes bilaterally, and occasionally granulosa cell tumors. Practically speaking, it can cause parts of the jaw, lips, eyes, and various other areas to fail to develop properly, often leaving the victim’s face or body distorted.

What Is the Cause of Goldenhar Syndrome?

Like many congenital disorders, Goldenhar syndrome is caused by an abnormality in the chromosomes of the developing fetus. It is essentially a fault in the programming that instructs the body to develop.

Goldenhar Syndrome Treatment

When Goldenhar syndrome is suspected, it is important for physicians to examine the body and ascertain whether normal biological functions are disrupted, such as breathing, swallowing, and eating. Since the problem seems to be caused by “bad programming” of the body, the improper growth patterns will continue and evolve as the patient grows. A treatment plan will, therefore, contain stages, with needed flexibility and steady attempts to repair or form tissues that the body is failing to form correctly. The primary goal of treatment is to ensure that the patient’s vital functions are not hindered in any way, with a secondary goal of giving the patient as “normal” an appearance as is practical and healthy.

Treatment for Goldenhar syndrome is regrettably limited to surgical intervention in an effort to help proper development of the various body parts that develop incorrectly. Stem cell therapy has had some success in dealing with eye dermoids, where the stem cells have been used to effectively “reprogram” cells.

Why Choose International Craniofacial Institute?

The International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas is a leading institute for the accurate diagnosis and quality treatment of Goldenhar syndrome and other syndromes and conditions. Our institute was founded in 1971 by Dr. Kenneth Salyer, a surgeon. Today, the institute is organized and led by the director, Dr. David G. Genecov. Dr. Genecov operates the International Craniofacial Institute as one of the nation’s most prestigious centers for palate repair, craniofacial repair, and cleft lip repair.

At our institute, we train doctors and surgeons from all over the world. In addition, our doctors have treated more than 17000 patients. These patients come from the United States, as well as other countries.

To alter and correct craniofacial abnormalities and difficulties, a high skill set is demanded, and we have that here. Our doctors, surgeons and the rest of the staff are extremely knowledgeable and always up to date on the newest methods of diagnosis and treatment. Among all of our employees, we have decades of experience working with different syndromes, including Goldenhar syndrome.

If you have a child or another family member who is suffering from a genetic syndrome or has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniofacial complication, the staff at the International Craniofacial Institute can help. Contact us today to talk with the doctors and staff about your options and how we can help.