What is Miller Syndrome?
Miller Syndrome is a very rare genetic condition often referred to as "postaxial acrofacial dysostosis." This disorder is characterized by distinctive craniofacial malformations that occur in association with limb abnormalities. Some facial characteristics include:

• Underdeveloped cheekbones

• Abnormally small jaw (micrognathia)

• Cleft palate

• Small, protruding "cup-shaped" ears

• Drooping of the lower eyelids

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Why did this happen?

Research is still being conducted; however, it is believed that Miller Syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait. That means that it is passed on when both parents carry a recessive gene with the Miller Syndrome trait.

 

Will this happen to children I have in the future?

If both parents carry the gene, there is a good chance that other children would be born with Miller Syndrome.

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What kinds of problems could my child have?

In addition to the craniofacial characteristics common to Miller Syndrome, your child may have the following problems:

• Incomplete limb development

• Webbing of fingers or toes

• Absence of certain fingers and /or toes

• Underdevelopment of the ulna (bones on the "pinkie" side) and the radius (bones on the thumb side) causing the forearms to appear unusually short

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Miller Syndrome does NOT affect intelligence

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Will my child need surgery?

Several surgeries may be necessary depending on the severity of your child's Miller Syndrome. Some which may be needed are:

• Tracheostomy to help with breathing

• Gastrostomy tube to assure proper nutrition

• Craniofacial surgery to the jaw, ears, and eyes

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How do I get help for my child?

Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center. Currently, FACES has information on many of these teams. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the craniofacial teams.
Please Contact Us for details.

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Am I alone?

No! There are many families and organizations who will be glad to talk with you and help you with information and support. Don't forget books, videos, and websites. The information below will help you get started. (Facebook has dozens of private groups specific to conditions. Try searching Facebook with a few different key words such as "craniofacial" or "burn" and find groups of parents and others with similar differences.)

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FACES: The National Craniofacial Association

We provide financial support for non-medical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need (Apply Here). Resources include newsletters, information about craniofacial conditions, and networking opportunities. Contact Us for more information.

 

Office of Rare Diseases

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

Excellent web site for finding information on a variety of craniofacial disorders, particularly very rare ones. Information specialists are available to answer your questions. Telephone operation is Monday - Friday, 12 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time. Email or fax requests for information will be answered within 5-10 working days. U.S. Mail requests will be answered within 5-10 working days. NOTE: The center does not give medical advice, provide treatment, or diagnose illness.
Phone: (888) 205-2311
Website: rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/8410/miller-syndrome

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US National Library of Medicine

Your guide to understanding genetic conditions

Website: ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/miller-syndrome

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The Foundation for Nager and Miller Syndrome

Excellent resource!! This is an international support group that serves as an information clearinghouse that links families together. They have an extensive library of resources and medical reports and are involved in a genetic research project working to locate the genes responsible for Miller Syndrome. Twice a year, they publish a very informative newsletter.

Phone: (800) 507-FNMS (3667)
International Phone: 001-253-333-1483
Website: fnms.org

 

National Health Law Program

Provides extensive information on health care law affecting families with children who have special health care needs.

Phone: (202) 289-7661
Website: healthlaw.org

 

** According to FNMS, Miller Syndrome shares facial characteristics with the following syndromes:

Nager Syndrome
Treacher Collins
Pierre Robin

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Additional Resources

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