BULBAR PARALYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bulbar paralysis, also known as bulbar palsy or bulbar syndrome, is a medical condition characterized by the weakness or paralysis of the muscles innervated by the cranial nerves that control the muscles of the head and neck. It specifically refers to the involvement of the bulbar muscles, which are responsible for important functions such as swallowing, speaking, chewing, and facial expression.
This condition can occur due to various causes, including trauma, infections, autoimmune disorders, degenerative diseases, or as a complication of other neurological conditions. Bulbar paralysis is commonly seen in conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brainstem stroke, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and botulism.
The symptoms of bulbar paralysis typically include difficulty in swallowing, impaired speech, weakness of facial muscles leading to drooping of the face, problems with chewing or maintaining food in the mouth, and decreased ability to produce facial expressions. Other associated signs may include excessive drooling, nasal regurgitation, and respiratory difficulties due to weakened muscles involved in breathing.
Treatment for bulbar paralysis aims to address the underlying cause and manage the symptoms. It may involve speech therapy to improve speech and swallowing function, dietary modifications to prevent choking or aspiration, use of assistive devices for eating and drinking, and occasionally, breathing support if respiratory muscles are affected. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or physical therapy may be recommended to maintain muscle strength and prevent contractures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BULBAR PARALYSIS
- vulbar paralysis
- nulbar paralysis
- hulbar paralysis
- gulbar paralysis
- bylbar paralysis
- bhlbar paralysis
- bjlbar paralysis
- bilbar paralysis
- b8lbar paralysis
- b7lbar paralysis
- bukbar paralysis
- bupbar paralysis
- buobar paralysis
- bulvar paralysis
- bulnar paralysis
- bulhar paralysis
- bulgar paralysis
- bulbzr paralysis
- bulbsr paralysis
- bulbwr paralysis
Etymology of BULBAR PARALYSIS
The word "bulbar" in "bulbar paralysis" comes from the Latin word "būlbs", which means "a rounded object" or "onion". It was used in anatomy to refer to bulb-like structures, specifically relating to the brainstem. In this case, "bulbar" indicates the involvement or impact on the motor nuclei located in the brainstem.
The term "paralysis" comes from the Greek word "paralusis", which means "loosening" or "relaxation". It is a combination of the prefix "para-" meaning "beside" or "abnormal" and "lusis" meaning "a loosening or setting free". In medical context, "paralysis" refers to the loss or impairment of the ability to move or control certain muscles or muscle groups.
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