Cranial Nerve Palsy - Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

What is Bulbar Palsy?

Answer 1

LMN Lesion affecting CN 9, 10 and 12.

Question 2

Clinical Features of Bulbar Palsy (4).

Answer 2

1. Absent/Normal Jaw Jerk.
2. Absent Gag Reflex.
3. Flaccid Fasciculating Tongue.
4. Nasal Quiet Speech.

Question 3

Aetiology of Bulbar Palsy (5).

Answer 3

1. Motor Neurone Disease.
2. Myasthenia Gravis.
3. GBS.
4. Brainstem Stroke.
5. Syringomyelia.

Question 4

What is a Pseudobulbar Palsy?

Answer 4

Bilateral lesion affecting corticobulbar tracts (9, 10 and 12) - UMN Lesion of Speech and Swallow.

Question 5

Clinical Features of Pseudobulbar Palsy.

Answer 5

1. Spastic Tongue.
2. Slow Thick (Hot Potato) Speech.
3. Brisk Jaw Jerk.
4. Emotional Lability.

Question 6

Aetiology of Pseudobulbar Palsy (4).

Answer 6

1. Vascular Causes.
2. Motor Neurone Disease.
3. Upper Brainstem Tumour.
4. Multiple Sclerosis.