Pseudobulbar syndrome is a violation of the functions of the facial muscles as a result of damage to the central nerve paths going from the centers of the cerebral cortex to the motor nuclei of the nerves of the medulla oblongata. There are bulbar and pseudobulbar syndromes. With bulbar syndrome, complete atrophy of the facial muscles is observed, and with pseudobulbar syndrome, oral automatism reflexes are increased.
Bulbar and pseudobulbar syndromes. Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of the disease is a violation of the swallowing reflex. A person cannot chew food on his own. Articulation is disturbed. There is difficulty in speaking, hoarseness of voice. Pseudobulbar syndrome is characterized by less atrophy of the muscles of the tongue and pharynx than bulbar. With this syndrome, the patient has violent laughter or crying, not associated with external stimuli. The face is like a mask, devoid of any emotions. Uncontrolled salivation is also observed. The concentration of attention decreases , which subsequently leads to a decrease in intelligence.
Pseudobulbar syndrome. Oral automatism reflexes
With this disease, the following reflexes are pronounced:
- grasping: with this reflex, a strong grasp of the object enclosed in the hands occurs;
- proboscis: protrusion of the upper lip, rolled into a tube, when you touch it;
- sucking: this reflex is triggered by touching the corners of the mouth;
- corneomandibular: when light enters the pupils, contralateral deviation of the lower jaw occurs;
- palmental: with pressure on the palm, a reduction in the chin muscle is observed.
Pseudobulbar syndrome. Causes of the disease
The causes of this disease are many. This syndrome can be either congenital or acquired as a result of severe brain damage. A baby can be born with it for a number of reasons. This may be a birth injury to the brain, intrauterine transmission of encephalitis. But most often this syndrome occurs after past strokes, cerebral hemorrhages, and brain injuries. Pseudobulbar syndrome can occur due to the disease of multiple sclerosis, with damage to the vessels of the brain after suffering syphilis, tuberculosis, rheumatism and lupus erythematosus. Pseudobulbar syndrome can also occur with diffuse damage to the brain.
Pseudobulbar syndrome. Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner you start it, the greater the chance of recovery. If months or years have passed since the illness, there is practically no chance of success. Improve the condition of the patient can means that normalize lipid metabolism. Chewing act improvers are also prescribed. In the acute course of the disease, inpatient treatment is required, in which the patient is fed through a tube. Stem cells introduced into the body give a good result.