Delayed radiation-induced bulbar palsy

Neurology. 1996 Jun;46(6):1604-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.46.6.1604.

Abstract

We report a man with a slowly progressive bulbar palsy 14 years after radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Electromyography demonstrated prominent myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges in muscles innervated by the lower cranial nerves. Late effects of radiation therapy can occur in the cranial nerve musculature that are similar to well-recognized syndromes affecting the brachial plexus and spinal cord.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / drug therapy
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / etiology*
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / physiopathology
  • Cachexia / etiology
  • Cachexia / therapy
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Cobalt Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Cobalt Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Cranial Nerve Injuries*
  • Cranial Nerves / physiopathology
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Electromyography
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neck Injuries
  • Neck Muscles / innervation
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries* / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries* / physiopathology
  • Radioisotope Teletherapy / adverse effects*
  • Speech Disorders / etiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cobalt Radioisotopes