Progressive supranuclear palsy

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Central nervous system

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

Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms. There is no known cure for progressive supranuclear palsy. Levodopa and anticholinergic medications may provide temporary reduction of symptoms.

These are not as effective as in Parkinson's disease, however. Around-the-clock care and monitoring are eventually required because of progressive loss of brain functions.

Treatment sometimes provides temporary reduction of symptoms, but the disorder inevitably progresses. There is a steady decline of brain function, with death commonly occurring in 5 to 7 years.

• Total inability to control gaze
• Progressive loss of brain functions
• Malnutrition
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in veins)
• Pneumonia
• Side effects from levodopa and anticholinergic medications

Call your health care provider if frequent falls accompanied by stiff neck/body and vision difficulties occur.

Also, call if progressive supranuclear palsy has been diagnosed and the condition declines to a point when it is not possible to care for the person in the home.

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.