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Marcus Gunn phenomenon
Other Names for this Disease
- Familial Marcus Gunn phenomenon (subtype)
- Jaw-winking
- Marcus Gunn syndrome
- Maxillopalpebral synkinesis
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Overview
Marcus Gunn phenomenon is a rare condition characterized by movement of the upper eyelid in a rapid rising motion (a "wink") each time the jaw moves.[1] The wink phenomenon may be elicited by opening the mouth, thrusting the jaw to the side, jaw protrusion, chewing, smiling, or sucking.[2] It is usually present at birth and may occur with other eye abnormalities (such as strabismus) or vision problems.[1][[2] Although it is usually unilateral, it can affect both eyes in rare cases.[2] The exact cause is not known. Marcus Gunn phenomenon is generally sporadic, but familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported.[3][2] Treatment is not always needed but may include surgery in more severe cases.[4]
References
- Marcus Gunn Phenomenon. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Marcus%20Gunn%20Phenomenon. Accessed July 1, 2009.
- Sean M Blaydon. Marcus Gunn Jaw-winking Syndrome. Medscape Reference. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1213228-overview. Accessed March 5, 2013.
- Marcus-Gunn syndrome. Orphanet. http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=91412. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Marcus Gunn Phenomenon. Marcus Gunn Phenomenon. http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/833/viewAbstract. Accessed March 6, 2013.
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General Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Marcus Gunn phenomenon. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Marcus Gunn phenomenon. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.