Bulbar palsy
Bulbar Palsy
Bulbar palsy (/ˈbʌlbər ˈpɔːlzi/), is a type of neuromuscular degenerative disease that affects the nerves supplying the bulbar muscles. These muscles are responsible for swallowing, speaking, and breathing. The term "bulbar" refers to the bulb-shaped part of the brain stem that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "bulbar" is derived from the Latin word "bulbus", which means bulb, referring to the shape of the part of the brain stem where the disease primarily affects. "Palsy" is derived from the Greek word "palsie", meaning paralysis, referring to the loss of muscle function in people with this condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bulbar palsy can vary depending on the specific nerves affected. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), slurred speech (dysarthria), and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include changes in voice, difficulty moving the tongue, and weakness in the facial muscles.
Causes
Bulbar palsy is most commonly caused by damage to the lower motor neurons in the brain stem. This damage can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Multiple sclerosis (MS), Stroke, and certain types of brain tumors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bulbar palsy typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as tests to evaluate the function of the bulbar muscles. These tests may include a swallowing study, speech evaluation, and electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of the muscles.
Treatment
Treatment for bulbar palsy is primarily supportive and aims to manage symptoms. This may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. In some cases, medications may be used to manage symptoms such as excessive saliva production or difficulty swallowing.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bulbar palsy
- Wikipedia's article - Bulbar palsy
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