====== Bulbar edema ======

[[Bulb]]ar [[edema]] refers to swelling in the [[brainstem]], specifically the [[medulla oblongata]] (also known as the "bulb"), which controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Bulbar edema is a serious condition that can result from trauma, increased intracranial pressure, infections, tumors, or other insults to the brain. 

Symptoms may include:

- Difficulty breathing (respiratory distress)

- Weakness or paralysis of the face, tongue, or throat muscles (leading to swallowing and speech difficulties)

- Altered consciousness

- Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure

- Gag reflex changes

Given the involvement of critical functions, bulbar edema is considered a medical [[emergency]] and requires immediate intervention to reduce swelling and prevent brainstem compression.

Treatment may involve:

- Medications to reduce brain swelling (e.g., corticosteroids like dexamethasone)

- Surgical interventions in cases where the cause is structural, such as tumor removal or drainage of fluid

- Supportive care such as ventilation if respiratory function is compromised

===== Case reports =====
Bulbar [[edema]] complicating surgery for [[Chiari malformation]]
((Urbaneja A, Gimeno D, Velasquez C, Martin R, Lopez Gomez P. Bulbar oedema complicating surgery for Chiari malformation. Pract Neurol. 2024 Sep 4:pn-2024-004245. doi: 10.1136/pn-2024-004245. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39237148.)).