Table of Contents
What is bulbar polio?
Definition. A form of paralytic poliomyelitis affecting neurons of the medulla oblongata of the brain stem. Clinical features include impaired respiration, hypertension, alterations of vasomotor control, and dysphagia. Weakness and atrophy of the limbs and trunk due to spinal cord involvement is usually associated. (
What causes bulbar polio?
For instance, spinal polio is caused by viral infiltration of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, and bulbar polio is caused by viral damage of the bulbar portion of the brainstem. Spinal poliomyelitis leads to asymmetric paralysis of the limbs due to spinal cord motor neuron damage.
What are the different stages of polio?
Poliomyelitis can present in stages, such as the acute stage, recovery stage, and residual-paralysis stage. The acute stage is mainly comprised of features, such as fever, neck stiffness, profound muscular weakness, paraparesis, and autonomic dysfunction.
What is bulbar disease?
Bulbar palsy is a set of conditions that can occur due to damage to the lower cranial nerves. Clinical features of bulbar palsy range from difficulty swallowing and a lack of a gag reflex to inability to articulate words and excessive drooling. Bulbar palsy is most commonly caused by a brainstem stroke or tumor.
Is bulbar polio fatal?
Most cases of poliomyelitis involve only the spinal cord. However, the fatality rate from bulbar polio far exceeds that of spinal disease, primarily a consequence of respiratory depression.
Which type of polio is most common?
PV1 is the most commonly encountered form, and the one most closely associated with paralysis. Individuals who are exposed to the virus, either through infection or by immunization via polio vaccine, develop immunity.
What is another name for polio?
Poliomyelitis, commonly shortened to polio, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.
Where is the bulbar?
An area of the brain composed of the cerebellum, medulla and pons. (Basically, the bulbar region is made up of the brain stem minus the midbrain and plus the cerebellum).