Can multiple cranial palsy cause swallowing problem and chronic cough?
Patient: I am having swallowing problems. this started dec. 25 1999. the dr. thought I had a stroke. I couldn t swallow, and my face showed signs of paralysis. I ended up being rush to Halifax. they thought I had a magor stroke. when I reached the hospital they did not have the same thoughts. after many tests they said I had multiple cranial palsy. a month later I was able to go home. yesterday, after another swallowing test they said because of the length of time there was not much they could do to improve things. I also have a chronic cough. Doctor: I read you question carefully and I understand your concern.There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in each of us serving different purposes. Two of them the IX and the X are involved in commanding the muscles in the throat which make articulating words and swallowing possible.So if these nerves are affected in the setting of your multiple cranial nerve palsy it is well possible for swallowing to be affected. Cough is one common associated phenomenon with difficulty swallowing as food, fluids or secretions may pass in the airways due to the swallowing difficulty.I hope to have answered your question in a clear way.