Pseudobulbar palsy is a clinical syndrome that results from bilateral upper motor neuron lesions predominantly affecting cranial nerves IX, X and XII.
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Terminology
Pseudobulbar palsy should be differentiated from bulbar palsy, which is a lower motor neuron syndrome involving the same cranial nerves.
Clinical presentation
dysarthria and dysphonia
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hyperactive gag reflex
this is reduced in a bulbar palsy
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labile emotional responses (pseudobulbar affect)
this is absent in a bulbar palsy
Depending on the cause, there may also be facial weakness and weakness of muscles of mastication.
Pathology
Etiology
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neurodegenerative
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ischemia
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demyelination and inflammatory
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