Bulbar Palsy is a neurological condition wherein several lower cranial nerves are impaired. These cranial nerves affected are usually those responsible for swallowing, chewing, speaking, and other motor functions. Thus, signs and symptoms of Bulbar Palsy include slurring of speech, weakening of tongue, weakening of jaw and facial muscles, difficulty swallowing, and more.
This condition is considered to be a variant form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A diagnosis test is performed through a physical examination similar to that conducted on ALS patients, to see the neurologic function of the patients. Although the exact cause is unknown, some of the potential aetiology includes genetic, malignant tumours in the brainstem region, some inflammatory problems, or exposure to a highly toxic chemical called Botulism.
Although the progression of Bulbar Palsy is slow, the cure of the disease is yet undiscovered. Nevertheless, Stem Cell Treatment could be a potential treatment to alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease and, in the process, enhance the patient’s quality of life. Physiotherapy, too, is an essential method used to maintain muscular strength.
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