What is the Marcus Gunn jaw-wink?

A congenital miswiring in which the nerve to a chewing muscle is abnormally linked to the eyelid-lifting muscle, so the droopy lid 'winks' upward when the jaw moves or the baby suckles.

Mild cases need no surgery. When the jaw-wink or the ptosis is significant, surgery weakens the abnormal levator link and supports the lid (often with a frontalis sling) to give a stable, natural lid position.

Eyelid

Marcus Gunn Jaw-Wink Syndrome

A congenital ptosis in which the eyelid lifts when the jaw moves — an abnormal connection between the chewing and eyelid-lifting nerves.

Medically reviewed by Tamara R. Fountain, MDOculoplastic SurgeonLast updated June 2026

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Part of our complete guide to Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) — this page covers Marcus Gunn jaw-wink ptosis in depth.

Marcus Gunn Jaw Wink

Marcus Gunn jaw-wink ptosis is an example of synkinesis — an abnormal neural connection between two muscle groups that are normally unrelated. A branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V, which supplies the pterygoid jaw muscles) misdirects into the branch of the oculomotor nerve (CN III) that lifts the upper eyelid. The result: the ptotic lid rises whenever the jaw opens or moves laterally.

Ready to discuss Marcus Gunn Jaw-Wink Syndrome?

Schedule a consultation with Tamara R. Fountain, MD to learn if this procedure is right for you.

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Marcus Gunn Jaw-Wink Syndrome

Marcus Gunn Jaw Wink

Ready to discuss Marcus Gunn Jaw-Wink Syndrome?

Marcus Gunn Jaw Wink

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