Palsy - progressive supranuclear
Key points
- Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder caused by damage to certain nerve cells in the brain, characterized by progressive lack of coordination, stiffness of the neck and trunk, difficulties with eye movement, slow movements, cognitive dysfunction, and difficulty walking that can result in falls.
- Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (including unsteady gait, stiff movements, and mild dementia).
- A neurological examination may show Parkinsonian movements with typical stiffness and lack of coordination.
- There is no known cure for progressive supranuclear palsy.
Alternative names
Dementia-nuchal dystonia; Richardson-Steele-Olszewski syndrome; Progressive supranuclear palsy
Definition
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder caused by damage to certain nerve cells in the brain, characterized by progressive lack of coordination, stiffness of the neck and trunk, difficulties with eye movement, slow movements, cognitive dysfunction, and difficulty walking that can result in falls.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (including unsteady gait, stiff movements, and mild dementia). Other similar disorders include dysfunction of the cerebellum, multiple system atrophy, and Alzheimer's disease.
The cause of the damage to the brain cells in this condition is unknown, but the disease is degenerative (gets worse over time). Progressive supranuclear palsy involves damage to multiple cells of the brain, with loss of the myelin sheath (the covering of the nerve cell that speeds nerve impulse conduction) in some nerves and destruction of the entire nerve in other areas.
People with this condition have deposits in brain tissues that resemble the deposits found in Alzheimer's disease. There is atrophy (loss of tissue) in most areas of the brain. The disorder is most often seen in people over 60 years old, and is somewhat more common in men.
Symptoms
- Repeated falls
- Loss of coordination, unsteady gait (walking pattern)
- Stiffness and rigid movement in the neck, trunk, arms, legs
- Difficulty swallowing
- May have a tremor
- Pain or difficulty with bending the neck up or down
- Slow or stiff movements
- Vision difficulty - unable to look up or down without bending the neck
- Changes in facial expression
o "Masking," reduced expression
o Deeply lined face
o Jaw or face jerks or spasms
o Eyes, pupils different size
o Eye movements, uncontrollable - Generalized slowness of all movement (bradykinesia) with strength relatively preserved
- Speech difficulties
o Slow speech
o Poor enunciation
o Low voice volume - Dementia, mild
o Forgetfulness
o Slowed thought processes
o Apathy (indifference)o Difficulty manipulating knowledge
Frequently asked questions
What is palsy?
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder caused by damage to certain nerve cells in the brain, characterized by progressive lack of coordination, stiffness of the neck and trunk, difficulties with eye movement, slow movements, cognitive dysfunction, and difficulty walking that can result in falls.
What are the risk factors for palsy?
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a disorder characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (including unsteady gait, stiff movements, and mild dementia). Other similar disorders include dysfunction of the cerebellum, multiple system atrophy, and Alzheimer's disease. The cause of the damage to the brain cells in this condition is unknown, but the disease is degenerative (gets worse over time). Progressive supranuclear palsy involves damage to multiple cells of the brain, with loss of the myelin sheath (the covering of the nerve cell that speeds nerve impulse conduction) in some nerves and destruction of the entire nerve in other areas.
What are the symptoms of palsy?
- Repeated falls
- Loss of coordination, unsteady gait (walking pattern)
- Stiffness and rigid movement in the neck, trunk, arms, legs
- Difficulty swallowing
- May have a tremor
- Pain or difficulty with bending the neck up or down
- Slow or stiff movements
- Vision difficulty - unable to look up or down without bending the neck
- Changes in facial expression o "Masking," reduced expression o Deeply lined face o Jaw or face jerks or spasms o Eyes, pupils different size o Eye movements, uncontrollable
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.