Bulbar palsy


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

Symptoms

In addition, there may be lower motor neuron lesions of the limbs.
The ocular muscles are spared and this differentiates it from myasthenia gravis.

Causes

Differential diagnosis

In contrast, pseudobulbar palsy is a clinical syndrome similar to bulbar palsy but in which the damage is located in upper motor neurons of the corticobulbar tracts in the mid-pons, that is the nerve cells coming down from the cerebral cortex innervating the motor nuclei in the medulla. This is usually caused by stroke.

Treatment

Depends on diagnosis