Overview
Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome is an extremely rare condition that has been described in medical literature but is now considered an obsolete diagnostic term (meaning it is no longer used as a separate diagnosis in current medical classifications). This condition was characterized by two main features: noticeable unevenness or asymmetry of the face, and seizures originating from the temporal lobe of the brain. Temporal lobe seizures can cause a variety of symptoms including unusual feelings, strange tastes or smells, staring spells, and involuntary movements. Because this diagnosis is now obsolete, patients who were previously given this label may have been reclassified under other more specific diagnoses as medical understanding has advanced. The facial asymmetry component could involve one side of the face being smaller or shaped differently than the other, which may be present from birth or become more noticeable over time. The seizure component would typically be managed with anti-seizure medications. If you or a family member has been given this diagnosis, it is important to work with a clinical geneticist and neurologist to determine whether a more current and specific diagnosis applies. Advances in genetic testing and brain imaging have allowed doctors to better classify conditions that were previously grouped together under broader or now-outdated terms. Treatment focuses on controlling seizures and addressing any functional or cosmetic concerns related to facial asymmetry.
Key symptoms:
Uneven or asymmetric facial featuresSeizures originating from the temporal lobeStaring spells or episodes of confusionUnusual tastes or smells before a seizureInvoluntary movements during seizuresOne side of the face appearing smaller or different from the otherMemory difficultiesEmotional changes during seizure episodes
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome.
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is this diagnosis still considered valid, or should we pursue updated genetic testing for a more specific diagnosis?,What type of seizures is my child or family member having, and what is the best medication to control them?,Are there surgical options for the seizures if medications do not work well enough?,What can be done to address the facial asymmetry, and when is the best time to consider treatment?,Should we have whole exome or whole genome sequencing done to look for an underlying genetic cause?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies that might be relevant to this condition?,What emergency plan should we have in place for prolonged seizures?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome
What is OBSOLETE: Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome?
Facial asymmetry-temporal seizures syndrome is an extremely rare condition that has been described in medical literature but is now considered an obsolete diagnostic term (meaning it is no longer used as a separate diagnosis in current medical classifications). This condition was characterized by two main features: noticeable unevenness or asymmetry of the face, and seizures originating from the temporal lobe of the brain. Temporal lobe seizures can cause a variety of symptoms including unusual feelings, strange tastes or smells, staring spells, and involuntary movements. Because this diagnos