Neurologic disorders: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and poliomyelitis

The patient who has multiple cranial neuropathies may pose a diagnostic dilemma. The neurologic disorders of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and poliomyelitis often cause bulbar dysfunctions such as diplopia, facial weakness, slurred or hypernasal speech, dysphagia, and hoarseness. In general, treatment is supportive and is directed toward restoring or aiding lost function (i.e., tracheostomy, esophagostomy, and cricopharyngeal myotomy). The relative infrequency of these disorders can lead to delays in diagnosis and rehabilitative therapy.