Bulbar palsy

Disease that affects the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When there is an obstruction of a blood vessel it is known as ischaemic stroke, whereas when there is bleeding it is known as haemorrhagic stroke.

There are existing factors that favour its appearance, such as: an older age, a family history, ethnicity or gender, arterial hypertension, smoking, diabetes and cardiac diseases.

Bulbar palsy or brain stem infarction can cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, double vision, hiccups and difficulty speaking and swallowing. It is characterised by one-sided facial and opposite-side body numbness, known as Wallenberg syndrome. Diagnosis is clinical through a questioning and a complete physical examination. It must be confirmed with a CT-scan.

In the case of ischaemia, treatment must be administered in less than three hours since its detection to avoid sequelae and so, it is considered a medical emergency. Medication will be administered to dislodge any artery blockage or blood clot obstructing blood vessels. In eligible cases, endovascular therapy can be applied in order to enable vascular permeability from the inside. Patients affected by haemorrhages have a worse prognosis and can require surgical intervention.