What Is Bulbar Palsy?
Bulbar Palsy also known as Progressive Bulbar Palsy is a pathologic status in which the nerve cells which are creditworthy for apparent movement get bear on . Out of the 12 cranial nerves that are present 5 cranial boldness which restraint bowel movement get bear on in Bulbar Palsy . The cranial nerves affected in Bulbar Palsy are cranial mettle V , VII , IX , X , and XI . In this cranial nerve cinque which is also called as the trigeminal heart is creditworthy for chewing movements . Cranial boldness VII or the facial nerve is responsible for blinking . Cranial nerves IX and X are responsible for eat up and esophageal motility .
What Causes Bulbar Palsy?
The causal agent of Bulbar Palsy is variable . It can be cause due to a toxic chemical known as botulism , which can cause paralysis as the toxin pass the digestive tract . Another potential cause for Bulbar Palsy may be some form of a malignant condition in which there is metastasis to the brain causing glioma and finally causing Bulbar Palsy . instigative condition likeGuillain - Barre syndromeis also one of the causes of Bulbar Palsy . Some studies also point to a genetic link in ontogenesis of Bulbar Palsy .
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Bulbar Palsy?
Just like with a condition like amyotrophic sidelong disease , Bulbar Palsy also pass on with fourth dimension albeit the progress is quite slow . The individual affected with Bulbar Palsy will see symptom like :
How Is Bulbar Palsy Diagnosed?
To begin with , a detailed neurologic examination will be done to train whether all the neurologic functions are normal . The doctor will also take a elaborated family history and past medical history of the affected role . Blood tests will also be conducted to rule out other drive for the symptoms and confirmly diagnose Bulbar Palsy . tomography studies may also be ordered to let in MRI and CT scans of the psyche to look at the internal structure and see if any mental defectiveness is identify structurally in the head . aside from this , an EMG bailiwick may also be perform to look at the muscle activity of the body and see if any abnormalities are present . All these test will find out any other shape causing the symptoms thus confirming the diagnosis of Bulbar Palsy
How Is Bulbar Palsy Treated?
As of now , there is no clear cut treatment for Bulbar Palsy . discourse is mainly aimed at control of symptoms and make life easier for the patient . As there is always muscle weakness associated with Bulbar Palsy an aide will always be required for comfort purposes aiding in patient ’s mobility , for prey function . In spartan cases of dysphagia in Bulbar Palsy patient , an NG tube may be inserted for feeding . last , forcible therapy is also an of the essence part of treatment so that the muscles do not become stiff and there is no disuse of the muscular tissue . A speech therapist can also facilitate a recollective way in assist the patient to talk better as speech is also severely affected due to Bulbar Palsy . Since Bulbar Palsy is quite disabling the patient may get sternly gloomy and anxious about the condition and a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist for counseling will be of significant help . asunder from this , sure medications are also given to help with the brawn spasms like baclofen .
Bulbar Palsy Life Expectancy
The overall prognosis of Bulbar Palsy is exceedingly poor as there is no therapeutic for Bulbar Palsy and intervention is basically supportive . The devolution of the nerve cell is something which can not be reversed . An affected individual can survive for a utmost of three years after being diagnosed with Bulbar Palsy .
