Need Help Finding Information On Bulbar Palsy

My Mom was recently diagnosed with Bulbar Palsy She is doing good She just has trouble swallowing some foods and   has trouble speaking . Is there a difference between Progressive Bulpar Palsy and Just Bulpar Palsy .I am really Worried And wanting to know what we can expect in the future And any information you can give me on it .... Thank you so much Crystal  (West Virginia )

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Pseudobulbar palsy is a disorder that can be present in several conditions (such as ALS and multiple sclerosis). It is a condition that results after there is disease of the cortical motor neurons that control those nuclei involved in speech, chewing, etc. Symptoms may include spontaneous crying or laughter.

Progressive bulbar palsy is a subset of ALS that has bulbar weakness from what we call lower motor neurons (not the “cortical neurons”). Features on exam with this condition will include those that may be found in ALS.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.