Living with Charlie M syndrome
A rare condition present from birth with a small jaw and mouth, finger and toe differences, and cleft palate.
Understanding Charlie M syndrome
Typical features include an underdeveloped lower jaw, variable limb differences like joined or split fingers, a small mouth, cleft palate, and missing teeth. Other signs can include facial paralysis, uneven face, wide-set eyes, and a small or absent tongue. GARD notes there have been no further descriptions in the medical literature since 1976.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Small lower jaw (micrognathia)
- Narrow mouth
- Joined fingers (syndactyly)
- Missing teeth
- Thin lips
- Differences in fingernails and toenails
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or how it is inherited.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Charlie M syndrome.
Explore research for Charlie M syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Charlie M syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Charlie M syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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