
Speech Difficulty, Swallowing Issue, Less Tongue Movement, Tests Normal. Bulbar Palsy?

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Thank you for posting your query on Healthcare Magic.
I have gone through your symptoms. The symptoms of speech and swallowing problems do occur in bulbar palsy (a type of evidence at the moment to label you as a case of bulbar palsy.
In bulbar palsy, speech problems can be of two types- one with a nasal twang in voice and the other a strained & effortful voice. Swallowing problems can also be of two types- one with a nasal regurgitation of liquids and the other with cough while swallowing.
In addition, people with bulbar palsy often have weakness and wasting (thinning of muscles) of hand and leg muscles.
It is good to note that your MRI brain is normal and also work up for myasthenia gravis is negative.
Other possibility could be dystonia or laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles.
So, I do not think that you have bulbar palsy at present, but it is better you cosult the neurologist and get a NCV/EMG studies performed.
Please get back if you have any further queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad


My next test is a tongue, and maybe limbs too, EMG. I guess that will be the big determining factor.
Thank you
Joel C XXXXXXX
Thank you for getting back regarding your symptoms in more detail. As you have mentioned, the speech and swallowing symptoms are not significant.
As you said, EMG studies should be performed in due course of time, if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

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