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Monday, November 30, 2009
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Progressive supranuclear palsy

Central nervous system
Central nervous system
Alternative Names

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


Treatment

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

Levodopa and drugs that block the action of a nervous system chemical called acetylcholine (anticholinergic medications) may temporarily reduce symptoms. These medications are not as effective as they are for Parkinson's disease, however.

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


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

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.


Complications
  • Blood clot in veins (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Lack of control over gaze
  • Loss of brain functions over time
  • Pneumonia
  • Poor nutrition (malnutrition)
  • Side effects from medications

Calling your health care provider

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: 02/06/2008
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. 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).
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