suunvuotohalvauksen

Suunvuotohalvauksen, also known as drooling paralysis, is a rare neurological condition characterized by the inability to control saliva production and its subsequent leakage from the mouth. It is not a true paralysis of the muscles involved in swallowing but rather a complex interplay of neurological and autonomic dysfunction. The condition often manifests as excessive drooling, difficulty in keeping the mouth closed, and an inability to coordinate the complex motor actions required for efficient swallowing.

The exact cause of suunvuotohalvauksen remains unclear, but it is believed to be associated with damage or dysfunction in the brain regions that control salivation and the swallowing reflex. This can stem from various underlying neurological issues, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, or certain neurodegenerative diseases. The excessive salivation is often due to an overactive parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates salivary glands, combined with impaired voluntary control over mouth closure and the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.

Symptoms can vary in severity but typically include constant dribbling of saliva, a wet voice, frequent coughing or choking during meals, and a tendency to have food or liquid accumulating in the mouth. This can lead to social embarrassment, nutritional difficulties, and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis usually involves a thorough neurological examination, assessment of swallowing function (dysphagia evaluation), and sometimes imaging studies of the brain. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms, often involving medications to reduce saliva production, behavioral strategies to improve mouth closure and swallowing, and in some severe cases, surgical interventions to redirect salivary ducts or reduce salivary gland activity.