What Is Bulbar Palsy

Bulbar palsy is a lower motor neuron palsy that affects the nuclei of the ix th x th xi th and xii th cranial nerves.

What is bulbar palsy.

Progressive bulbar palsy involves the brain stem. Bulbar palsy refers to a range of different signs and symptoms linked to impairment of function of the cranial nerves ix x xi xii which occurs due to a lower motor neuron lesion in the medulla oblongata or from lesions of the lower cranial nerves outside the brainstem. Signs and symptoms of progressive bulbar palsy include difficulty swallowing weak jaw and facial muscles progressive loss of speech and weakening of the tongue. Out of the 12 cranial nerves that are present 5 cranial nerves which control movement get affected in bulbar palsy.

Tongue weakness and. Progressive bulbar palsy is a motor neuron disease mnd that damages the nerve cells in the brain stem that supply the bulbar muscles those that control talking swallowing and chewing other areas of the body may also be affected by this disease. Individuals suffering from progressive bulbar palsy may experience difficulty chewing. A bulbar palsy refers to disease affecting the glossopharyngeal vagus accessory and hypoglossal nerves and is due to lower motor neuron pathology.

Typically patients with a bulbar palsy present with signs and symptoms of the cranial nerves affected as mentioned. The brain stem is the part of the brain needed for swallowing speaking chewing and other functions. Bulbar palsy also known as progressive bulbar palsy is a pathological condition in which the nerve cells which are responsible for movement get affected. Bulbar palsy vs pseudobulbar palsy.

Pseudobulbar palsy is an upper motor neuron palsy that affects the corticobulbar tracts of the v th vii th ix th x th xi th and xii th cranial nerves. Bulbar palsy is sometimes also classified as non progressive or progressive. One of the subgroups of motor neuron disease. Bulbar palsy or the progressive bulbar palsy is a condition wherein the motor neurons or the nerve cells responsible for movement are affected.

A progressive degenerative disorder of the motor neurons of primarily the brainstem manifested as weakness and wasting of the various bulbar muscles resulting in dysarthria and dysphagia fluid regurgitation is an outstanding symptom and can cause aspiration. There are differences between bulbar palsy and pseudobulbar palsy. The former is a lower motor neuron lesion of the cranial nerves ix x xi and xii while the latter is an upper motor neuron lesion affecting ix x xi and xii cranial nerves.