Bulbar palsy Flashcards
What is a bulbar palsy?
A lower motor neuron lesion affecting cranial nerves 9, 10 and 12
What are the causes of bulbar palsy?
Myasthenia Gravis
MND - progressive bulbar palsy
Guillain Barre syndrome
Brainstem stroke
What are the symptoms of a bulbar palsy?
Speech difficulty
Dysphagia
Drooling
What are the signs of a bulbar palsy on examination?
Quiet nasal speech
Absent or normal jaw jerk reflex
Absent gag reflex
Flaccid fasciculating tongue
What is the management of a bulbar palsy?
Speech and language therapy
Medication for drooling
NG tube - swallowing difficulties
What is pseudobulbar palsy?
An upper motor neuron lesion affecting cranial nerves 9, 10 and 12
What are the signs of psuedobulbar palsy on examination?
Quiet speech
Spastic tongue
Brisk jaw jerk reflex
Emotional lability
