Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (MRS)
What is Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS)?
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent facial paralysis, coupled with a swelling of the face and lips and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue. After recurrent attacks, that can last from days to years in between, the facial swelling in MRS can become permanent.What causes Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS)?
The cause of MRS is currently unknown, but scientists speculate that there may be a genetic predisposition to the condition, or that it may be symptomatic of Crohn’s disease or sarcoidosis. Dietary and/or other allergens may also be involved in the onset of MRS.What are the symptoms of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS)?
The first symptom of MRS is usually a swelling of the upper lip, lower lip, one or both cheeks, eyelids, or one side of the scalp. This swelling may subside within a few hours or days, but in subsequent flare ups of MRS, the swelling may be more severe and last longer, even becoming permanent in severe cases. Sometimes, facial palsy occurs in individuals after an episode; it may resolve initially and then become permanent later on. Other characteristics of MRS episodes include the following:- Cracked and discolored lips
- Fever
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Reduced salivary gland secretion
- Diminished sense of taste
