Joubert Syndrome
While there is no cure for Joubert syndrome, many therapies focus on helping individuals improve function, build skills, and maximize independence.
What is Joubert Syndrome?
Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects how the brain develops before birth. It primarily involves an area of the brain called the cerebellum, which plays an important role in balance, coordination, eye movements, muscle control, and learning new motor skills.
Because the brain develops differently, children and adults with Joubert syndrome may experience a wide range of challenges. Every person is unique, and symptoms can range from mild to more significant.
Why Does Joubert Syndrome Affect So Many Different Parts of the Body?
The cerebellum does much more than help with balance.
It works together with many other parts of the brain to coordinate movement, posture, vision, muscle tone, and even aspects of learning and attention.
When these connections don’t develop typically, the brain has to work harder to coordinate everyday activities like walking, speaking, using the eyes together, or maintaining balance.
This is why people with Joubert syndrome often benefit from a team of healthcare providers working together to support their development.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Delayed motor milestones
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Poor coordination
- Balance difficulties
- Abnormal eye movements
- Difficulty tracking objects
- Delayed speech and language development
- Fine motor challenges
- Learning differences
- Breathing irregularities during infancy
- Walking difficulties
Why Functional Challenges Can Continue
Even after developmental milestones are reached, some individuals may continue to experience challenges with:
How Chiropractic and Functional Neurology May Help
Depending on the patient’s needs, care may include:
Gentle Chiropractic Care
Functional Neurology
Exercises designed to stimulate specific areas of the nervous system involved in coordination, balance, movement, and motor learning.
Eye Movement Assessment
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Primitive Reflex Integration
Sensory Integration Strategies
Rehabilitation Exercises
What Makes Apex Different?
Families affected by Joubert syndrome often see many different specialists.
At Apex, we look at how the brain, eyes, balance system, muscles, joints, and sensory systems work together. By evaluating these systems as a whole, we can develop individualized care plans that complement the therapies and medical care patients are already receiving.
Our goal is always to help each person improve function, participate more fully in daily life, and reach their greatest potential.
Dr. Jahnke was the session speaker for “Gentle Chiropractic & Neurointegration for Optimal Neurodevelopment” at the 2025 JSRDF Family and Scientific Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, which was held July 16-19, 2025. We reviewed the current research in chiropractic and how it impacts the brain. In this session, we reviewed strategies to improve vestibular and proprioceptive function for neurosensory integration, and how it can help with meeting developmental milestones.
