This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Progressive bulbar palsy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Bulbar palsy results from bilateral impairment of function of the IXth, Xth and XIIth cranial nerves. This gives rise to dysarthria, dysphagia (often with choking episodes and nasal regurgitation of fluids), dysphonia and poor cough, and susceptibility to aspiration pneumonia. The lowermost part of VII may, infrequently, be involved.

The disturbance is of the motor nuclei rather than of the corticobulbar tracts. It is distinguished from pseudobulbar palsy by the presence of lower motor neurone signs. Autonomic features are uncommon.


Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page