In this Article

• What is and what causes Parry-Romberg syndrome?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Parry-Romberg syndrome?
• At what age does Parry-Romberg syndrome occur?
• Is there any treatment for Parry-Romberg syndrome?
• What is the prognosis for Parry-Romberg syndrome?
• What research is being done for Parry-Romberg syndrome?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Parry-Romberg Syndrome Index

The onset of the disease usually begins between the ages of 5 and 15 years. The progression of the atrophy often lasts from 2 to 10 years, and then the process seems to enter a stable phase. Muscles in the face may atrophy and there may be bone loss in the facial bones. Problems with the retina and optic nerve may occur when the disease surrounds the eye.

There is no cure and there are no treatments that can stop the progression of Parry-Romberg syndrome. Reconstructive or microvascular surgery may be needed to repair wasted tissue. The timing of surgical intervention is generally agreed to be the best following exhaustion of the disease course and completion of facial growth. Most surgeons will recommend a waiting period of one or two years before proceeding with reconstruction. Muscle or bone grafts may also be helpful. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

The prognosis for individuals with Parry-Romberg syndrome varies. In some cases, the atrophy ends before the entire face is affected. In mild cases, the disorder usually causes no disability other than cosmetic effects.

The NINDS supports research on neurological disorders such as Parry-Romberg syndrome with the goal of finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Parry-Romberg Clinical Trials

• At NIH Clinical Center
• Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide
• NINDS Clinical Research Collaboration Trials

Organizations

TNA -- Facial Pain Association (formerly the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association)
408 W. University Avenue
Suite 602
Gainesville, FL 32601
info@fpa-support.org
http://www.endthepain.org
Tel: 352-384-3600 800-923-3608
Fax: 352-331-3606

Epilepsy Foundation
8301 Professional Place
Landover, MD 20785-7223
postmaster@efa.org
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Tel: 301-459-3700 800-EFA-1000 (332-1000)
Fax: 301-577-2684

March of Dimes
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
askus@marchofdimes.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com
Tel: 914-997-4488 888-MODIMES (663-4637)
Fax: 914-428-8203

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

SOURCE: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Parry-Romberg Information Page