What are the symptoms? The muscles of the affected side of the face are under-developed and there are often skin tags or pits in front of the ear, or in a line between the ear and the corner of the mouth. There are often abnormalities of the middle ear and the ear canal may be completely absent. Hearing loss (one-sided) is extremely common. There may also be eye abnormalities, including cysts and notches in the lids, squints and occasionally small eyes. Children at the Goldenhar end of the spectrum may, in some cases, have heart problems. A variety of kidney abnormalities may also be present and a number of other rarer congenital (present at birth) problems may occur. Most individuals with Goldenhar syndrome are of normal intelligence, although some learning difficulties (see Learning Disability) can occur in about 10-15 per cent of cases, usually language problems resulting from hearing loss. There may also be speech and swallowing problems. Many babies with Goldenhar syndrome have poor weight gain in the first year or two of life. What are the causes? Small chromosome abnormalities or gene alterations have been found in a few cases but no consistent genetic abnormality (DNA change) has been identified as the condition’s cause. Various environmental causes have been suggested for the incorrect development of facial structures in a baby developing in the womb. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis of Goldenhar syndrome is made by a doctor (eg a paediatrician or clinical geneticist) based on physical examination and history. As there is no identified commonly-associated DNA alteration, a definitive genetic test cannot be offered. A child will need full assessment of hearing and communication abilities and may require neck X-rays and possibly imaging of the kidneys (by renal ultrasound) and heart (by echocardiogram). How is it treated? Early identification and treatment of hearing loss is important and speech therapy is often necessary. Help may be required with managing feeding problems and encouraging weight gain in early infancy. Any associated abnormalities, such as the congenital heart problems, may need appropriate treatment. Plastic surgeons can improve the growth of the face, particularly the jaw, by techniques including the use of a device which can artificially lengthen the jaw bone. Children with Goldenhar syndrome may also need on-going orthodontic treatment. Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis Inheritance patternsGoldenhar syndrome is, in most cases, sporadic (occurring by chance). Only a few familial cases (more than one case in a family) have been reported. In non-familial cases (with no other individuals affected by this condition in the same family), the chance of having another affected child is usually small. Prenatal diagnosisPrenatal ultrasound scanning may identify the condition in certain cases where facial or skeletal abnormalities are present. For affected families, genetic advice may be offered for future pregnancies. Is there support? Goldenhar UK Email: info@goldenhar.org.ukWebsite: goldenhar.org.uk The Group is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1099642. It provides information and support to families who have children with Goldenhar Syndrome , and normally organises annual Family Days to allow the families to meet, eat, drink and talk together. Group details last updated July 2020.
What are the symptoms? The muscles of the affected side of the face are under-developed and there are often skin tags or pits in front of the ear, or in a line between the ear and the corner of the mouth. There are often abnormalities of the middle ear and the ear canal may be completely absent. Hearing loss (one-sided) is extremely common. There may also be eye abnormalities, including cysts and notches in the lids, squints and occasionally small eyes. Children at the Goldenhar end of the spectrum may, in some cases, have heart problems. A variety of kidney abnormalities may also be present and a number of other rarer congenital (present at birth) problems may occur. Most individuals with Goldenhar syndrome are of normal intelligence, although some learning difficulties (see Learning Disability) can occur in about 10-15 per cent of cases, usually language problems resulting from hearing loss. There may also be speech and swallowing problems. Many babies with Goldenhar syndrome have poor weight gain in the first year or two of life.
What are the causes? Small chromosome abnormalities or gene alterations have been found in a few cases but no consistent genetic abnormality (DNA change) has been identified as the condition’s cause. Various environmental causes have been suggested for the incorrect development of facial structures in a baby developing in the womb.
How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis of Goldenhar syndrome is made by a doctor (eg a paediatrician or clinical geneticist) based on physical examination and history. As there is no identified commonly-associated DNA alteration, a definitive genetic test cannot be offered. A child will need full assessment of hearing and communication abilities and may require neck X-rays and possibly imaging of the kidneys (by renal ultrasound) and heart (by echocardiogram).
How is it treated? Early identification and treatment of hearing loss is important and speech therapy is often necessary. Help may be required with managing feeding problems and encouraging weight gain in early infancy. Any associated abnormalities, such as the congenital heart problems, may need appropriate treatment. Plastic surgeons can improve the growth of the face, particularly the jaw, by techniques including the use of a device which can artificially lengthen the jaw bone. Children with Goldenhar syndrome may also need on-going orthodontic treatment.
Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis Inheritance patternsGoldenhar syndrome is, in most cases, sporadic (occurring by chance). Only a few familial cases (more than one case in a family) have been reported. In non-familial cases (with no other individuals affected by this condition in the same family), the chance of having another affected child is usually small. Prenatal diagnosisPrenatal ultrasound scanning may identify the condition in certain cases where facial or skeletal abnormalities are present. For affected families, genetic advice may be offered for future pregnancies.
Is there support? Goldenhar UK Email: info@goldenhar.org.ukWebsite: goldenhar.org.uk The Group is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1099642. It provides information and support to families who have children with Goldenhar Syndrome , and normally organises annual Family Days to allow the families to meet, eat, drink and talk together. Group details last updated July 2020.