Progressive supranuclear palsy

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Central nervous system

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

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. There is no known cure for progressive supranuclear palsy.

Levodopa or other drugs, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl, which block the action of a nervous system chemical called acetylcholine (anticholinergic medications) may temporarily reduce some symptoms, such as rigid limbs or slow movements. However, these medications are usually not as effective as they are for Parkinson's disease.

Many people with this condition will need around-the-clock care and monitoring as they lose brain functions.

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Treatment sometimes can reduce symptoms temporarily, but the condition will get worse. Brain function will decline over time. Death commonly occurs in 5 to 7 years.

• Blood clot in veins (deep vein thrombosis) due to limited mobility
• Lack of control over gaze
• Loss of brain functions over time
• Pneumonia due to difficulty swallowing
• Poor nutrition (malnutrition)
• Side effects from medications

Call your health care 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 progressive supranuclear palsy and the condition has declined so much that you can no longer care for the person at home.

Review Date: 05/05/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).