How Do You Spell PSEUDOBULBAR?

Pronunciation: [sˈuːdə͡ʊbˌʌlbɑː] (IPA)

Pseudobulbar, pronounced soo-doh-buhl-bar, is a medical term used to describe a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to control their emotions. The correct spelling of this word can be broken down into its phonetic components. The first syllable, "pseudo," is pronounced soo-doh which means false or imitation. The second syllable, "bulbar," is pronounced buhl-bar, which refers to the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain that controls important functions like breathing and swallowing. Together, these syllables create the word "pseudobulbar," which describes the condition when neurons that control emotional expression become damaged.

PSEUDOBULBAR Meaning and Definition

1. Pseudobulbar is an adjective used in medical terminology to describe a condition known as pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Pseudobulbar affect refers to a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable and exaggerated emotional expressions that are often incongruent or inappropriate to the situation. These emotional outbursts may include crying, laughing, or even anger, and they are often unrelated to the individual's actual emotional state.

   The term "pseudobulbar" derives from the Latin word "pseudo," meaning false, and "bulbar," pertaining to the brainstem. This reflects the underlying neurologic dysfunction that causes PBA, particularly in the brainstem structures involved in emotional regulation. Pseudobulbar affect can occur as a result of various neurological conditions and injuries, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or other degenerative brain disorders.

   Treatment for pseudobulbar affect usually involves managing the underlying condition or injury causing it. Medications, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants, may be prescribed to help regulate emotional responses. Additionally, various therapeutic techniques, including psychotherapy and support groups, may assist individuals in coping with the emotional challenges associated with pseudobulbar affect.

   In summary, pseudobulbar refers to a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable and inappropriate emotional expressions, often caused by dysfunction in the brainstem.

2. Noting a paralysis of seemingly, but not actually, bulbar origin.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PSEUDOBULBAR

• pseudobulbal
• Pseudobulbel

Etymology of PSEUDOBULBAR

The word "pseudobulbar" is derived from two parts: "pseudo-" and "-bulbar".

1. "Pseudo-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "false" or "pretend".

2. "-bulbar" refers to the bulb of the brainstem or medulla oblongata, which is responsible for controlling various cranial nerve functions.

Therefore, "pseudobulbar" describes a condition or syndrome characterized by false or abnormal function of the cranial nerves associated with the brainstem's bulb or medulla oblongata.