Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Overview
Learn About Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a movement disorder that occurs from damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.
Dementia - nuchal dystonia; Richardson-Steele-Olszewski syndrome; Palsy - progressive supranuclear
PSP is a condition that causes symptoms similar to those of Parkinson disease.
It involves damage to many cells of the brain. Many areas are affected, including the part of the brainstem where cells that control eye movement are located. The area of the brain that controls steadiness when you walk is also affected. The frontal lobes of the brain are also affected, leading to personality changes.
The cause of the damage to the brain cells is unknown. PSP gets worse over time.
People with PSP have deposits in brain tissues that look like those found in people with Alzheimer disease. There is a loss of tissue in most areas of the brain and in some parts of the spinal cord.
The disorder is most often seen in people over 60 years old, and is somewhat more common in men.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Loss of balance, repeated falls
- Lunging forward when moving, or fast walking
- Bumping into objects or people
- Changes in expressions of the face
- Deeply lined face
- Eye and vision problems such as different sized pupils, difficulty moving the eyes (supranuclear ophthalmoplegia), lack of control over the eyes, problems keeping the eyes open
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tremors, jaw or face jerks or spasms
- Mild-to-moderate dementia
- Personality changes
- Slow or stiff movements
- Speech difficulties, such as low voice volume, not able to say words clearly, slow speech
- Stiffness and rigid movement in the neck, middle of the body, arms, and legs
The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. There is no known cure for PSP.
Medicines such as levodopa (combined with carbidopa) may be tried. These medicines raise the level of a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is involved in the control of movement. The medicines may reduce some symptoms, such as rigid limbs or slow movements for a time. But they are usually not as effective as they are for Parkinson disease.
Many people with PSP will eventually need around-the-clock care and monitoring as they lose brain functions.
St Lukes Clinic LLC
Richard Sandison is a Family Medicine provider in Twin Falls, Idaho. Dr. Sandison has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. His top areas of expertise are Parainfluenza Virus Type 3, Parainfluenza, Renovascular Hypertension, and Polycythemia Vera. Dr. Sandison is currently accepting new patients.
Keith Davis is a Family Medicine provider in Shoshone, Idaho. Dr. Davis and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. His top areas of expertise are Vascular Dementia, Alcoholic Neuropathy, Dementia, and Chronic Pain. Dr. Davis is currently accepting new patients.
St Lukes Clinic LLC
Steven Kohtz is a Family Medicine provider in Twin Falls, Idaho. Dr. Kohtz and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. His top areas of expertise are Cirrhosis, Opioid Use Disorder, Chronic Pain, and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young. Dr. Kohtz is currently accepting new patients.
Treatment sometimes can reduce symptoms for a while, but the condition will get worse. Brain function will decline over time. Death commonly occurs in 5 to 7 years.
Newer medicines are being studied to treat this condition.
Complications of PSP include:
- Blood clot in veins (deep vein thrombosis) due to limited movement
- Injury from falling
- Lack of control over vision
- Loss of brain functions over time
- Pneumonia due to trouble swallowing
- Poor nutrition (malnutrition)
- Side effects from medicines
Contact your provider if you often fall, and if you have a stiff neck/body, and vision problems.
Also, call if a loved one has been diagnosed with PSP and the condition has declined so much that you can no longer care for the person at home.
Background: Neurodegenerative disorders can lead to problems in movement or memory. Some can cause abnormal proteins to build up in brain cells. Researchers want to understand whether these diseases have related causes or risk factors.
Summary: Our aim is to study the effect of art therapy for people with PSP, with a focus on alleviating the symptoms associated with PSP, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients, and reducing caregiver stress. Overall, through our collaborative efforts on this study, we hope to unlock the benefits of art therapy for this vulnerable patient population, ultimately improving their overall well-bein...
Published Date: June 13, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2022:chap 96.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/progressive-supranuclear-palsy-psp. Updated November 28, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024.
Rowe JB, Holland N, Rittman T. Progressive supranuclear palsy: diagnosis and management. Pract Neurol. 2021;21(5):376-383. PMID: 34215700 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34215700/.