Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome

A very rare inherited condition with distinct facial features, very flexible joints, and a genital difference in boys.

Understanding Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome

Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome is a rare condition with distinct facial features and loose joints.

It was described in two people, a mother and her son. It is seen in newborns. The boy also had an undescended testis and a shawl scrotum (the scrotum wraps around the penis), and the mother had mild intellectual disability.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Eyes set wide apart with drooping eyelids
  • Very flexible joints
  • Knock knees
  • Mild intellectual disability
  • Low-set, prominent ears
  • Shawl scrotum

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing help confirm this diagnosis?
Which specialists should be on the care team?
How can we support joint health?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD does not name the gene or how it is inherited.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, malar hypoplasia, and apparently low-set ears associated with joint and scrotal anomalies; seaver cassidy syndrome; seaver-cassidy syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndromeGARD ID 4778 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome.

Explore the Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome blog

Explore research for Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity 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

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Facial dysmorphism-shawl scrotum-joint laxity syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.