Romberg disease, also known as Parry-Romberg syndrome, is a rare progressive neurological disorder characterized by the gradual degeneration of one side of the face. It is named after the British physician Caleb Hillier Parry and the German neurologist Moritz Heinrich Romberg, who first described the condition.
People affected by Romberg disease typically develop symptoms during childhood or adolescence. The disorder begins with progressive atrophy, or wasting away, of soft tissues on one side of the face, including the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, and connective tissues. This results in facial asymmetry, with a noticeable difference between the affected side and the unaffected side. In some cases, the atrophy may extend to other areas like the tongue or neck.
In addition to the facial changes, individuals with Romberg disease may also experience neurological symptoms. These can include seizures, migraines, facial pain, muscle spasms, and sensory disturbances. The cause of Romberg disease is not well understood, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues on one side of the face.
Treatment for Romberg disease is primarily focused on managing symptoms and aims to improve the appearance and functionality of the affected areas. This can include the use of cosmetic interventions like facial fillers or surgery to correct facial asymmetry. In some cases, neurosurgical procedures may be considered to manage pain or seizures.
Overall, Romberg disease is a rare condition characterized by the progressive atrophy of soft tissues on one side of the face, leading to facial asymmetry and potentially associated neurological symptoms.
