Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Causes
The exact cause of progressive Supranuclear palsy is not known; however, deterioration of cells in brain areas that are responsible in controlling movement is closely associated with the disorder.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Definition
Progressive supranuclear palsy also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome is a disorder of the brain resulting to severe problems with regards to walking, balance, and eye movements.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Diagnosis
Careful evaluation of the fundamental signs and symptoms manifested in an individual may help in providing accurate diagnosis. Brain autopsy is the only reliable method to reveal progressive Supranuclear palsy.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Symptoms and Signs
Individuals with progressive Supranuclear palsy experiences loss of balance when walking; likely to fall backward even on the early stages of the disorder. They tend to experience difficulty in focusing the eyes resulting to poor eye contact and blank stare. Other symptoms manifested may include speech and swallowing incapacities, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, stiffness, gets irritated easily, anxiety, tendency to forget easily, and unexplainable crying and laughing episodes.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Treatment
Medications used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other antidepressants like imipramine can help control the symptoms that are manifested by the person with progressive Supranuclear palsy because there is no specific treatment effective to cure this disorder. Botox can help improve eyelid spasms that are common to occur with the disorder. Visual aids like eyeglasses with bifocal lenses can be helpful to assist when looking down. A speech therapist can teach swallowing techniques to lessen difficulty in speaking and swallowing.