Progressive supranuclear palsy

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Central nervous system

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a movement disorder caused by damage to certain nerve cells in the brain.

Dementia-nuchal dystonia; Richardson-Steele-Olszewski syndrome; Palsy - progressive supranuclear

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Symptoms may include a progressive lack of coordination, stiffness of the neck and body, difficulties with eye movement, slow movements, problems with mental function, and difficulty walking that can result in falls.

Progressive supranuclear palsy involves damage to multiple cells of the brain. The covering of certain nerve cells (myelin sheath) is destroyed. Entire nerves may be damaged in some areas. The cause of the damage to the brain cells in this condition is unknown. The disease is degenerative (gets worse over time).

People with this condition have deposits in brain tissues that resemble those found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. There is a 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.

Review Date: 08/26/2006
Reviewed By: Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.