Symptoms Of Progressive Bulbar Palsy

Progressive bulbar palsy is a neurological disease that affects an individual's ability to chew, swallow, and speak. This disease attacks the brain stem, causing atrophy of the motor neurons. Progressive bulbar palsy is considered a variant of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which also attacks the nerves of the brain stem and spinal cord. Research indicates many of the individuals who develop progressive bulbar palsy also develop ALS later in their lives. Unfortunately, there is no cure for progressive bulbar palsy at this time. However, physicians can work with patients to treat the symptoms that emerge as a result of the disease. Get to know the common symptoms of progressive bulbar palsy now.

Weak Facial Muscles

As progressive bulbar palsy attacks the brain stem, it damages the nerves that control the motor functions of the face and jaw. This damage results in weak facial muscles. An individual with progressive bulbar palsy may have difficulty smiling, frowning, or otherwise showing emotion through facial expressions, resulting in what may be deemed as an expressionless face. The weakness in the facial muscles may be minor in the beginning stages of the disease but will progress as the motor neurons are destroyed as the disease advances throughout the brain stem. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment available to reverse weakening of the facial muscles. Treatment may consist of physical therapy to slow the progression of muscle atrophy.

Keep reading to reveal the next symptom of progressive bulbar palsy now.