Causes Of Progressive Bulbar Palsy

Metastasis To The Brain

Metastasis to the brain is the most common cause of brain cancer. This happens when cancer from another part of the body spreads into the brain. The brain tumor is then considered secondary cancer. Most often, cancers from the lungs, kidneys, breast, and melanomas metastasize to the brain using the blood for transportation. This can happen alongside primary cancer or years after the primary cancer has been eradicated. The cancer cells proliferate into a tumor and cause malfunctions in the brain. Only five percent of metastases happen in the brainstem, making this one of the least common ways to develop progressive bulbar palsy.

Keep reading to understand the facts about the next cause of progressive bulbar palsy.

Glioma

Glial cells are located throughout the brain along with neurons. They are not directly involved in brain cell communication, but they do play a large part in supporting that communication. They help protect neurons so neural communication can take place. A glioma is a tumor that develops in the glial cells of the brain and spinal cord. This is the most common type of primary brain cancer, and like secondary cancers, these tumors upset normal brain function. Location of the tumor determines what type of treatment can be used, what symptoms to expect, and life expectancy. Tumors on the brainstem usually cannot be operated on because of their proximity to the spinal cord and can cause the symptoms of progressive bulbar palsy.

Continue reading to learn about another cause of progressive bulbar palsy now.