Quote:
Originally Posted by cpulord1  Hi Raina,
I am a medical student, and I just joined these forums to answer your question as I was browsing for ALS information lol
the difference is actually that one is upper motor(pseudo), while the other is lower motor(bulbar). Due to this difference, there are clinical differences as well.
For example, bulbar palsy will have an absent gag reflex as it is LMN and therefore affects the cranial nerves itself, while pseudobulbar will have a brisk reflex (UMN lesions generally give a hyperrefelxive response).
Speech will be slurred and tongue will be contracted with UMN
while speech is husky and tongue will have wasting with LMN
Hope this helps! |
I too am confused, I have been told I have pseudo bulbar (diagnosed 3 months ago, symptoms only started slightly 6 months ago)
Slurred speach, difficulty swallowing liquids, VERY tired jaw sometimes when eating. And now my legs are getting weaker, especially when trying to walk even small hills or stairs...Lots of cramps and twitching ALL over. I am trying to excercise to keep mobile and am not giving in to it... I have been much better since taking Riluzole...an immediate affect, within hours of taking the first pill..... so what is it with UPPER neurons and lower neurons. Maybe I am being totally silly, but I just dont get the difference...can someone tell me in simple terms
Jennifer 51