Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Neurological Disorders > Movement Disorders > Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (or the Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, after the Canadian physicians who described it in 1963 ) is a rare degenerative disorder involving the gradual deterioration and death of selected neurons in the brain. Typical effects are problems with control of gait and balance (axial dystonia) and/or losing conciousness (collapsing, fainting etc), and, in some cases later on, an inability to aim the eyes properly (ophthalmoplegia), especially in the vertical directions (downward gaze palsy). Other symptoms may be alterations of mood and behavior, depression and apathy as well as mild dementia. In some cases it can prove to be fatal. There is currently no effective treatment for the disease.
Unlike most palsies, which result in the wholesale death of patches of cerebral or spinal tissue, PSP generally starts with the deterioration of synaptic connections between neurons. Because of the insidious, often lifelong and gradual nature of this deterioration, it is difficult to diagnose until it is fairly advanced.
Grossly, a widespread neuronal loss and gliosis is observed. Subcortical sites are primarily targets, with relative sparing of the Cerebral or Cerebellar Cortex. Neurofibrillary tangles--distinct from those seen for Alzheimer's--may be seen under microscope
More on [ Progressive supranuclear palsy ]
Neurodegenerative Diseases :: Neurological Disorders
Ophthalmoplegia :: Ocular Motility Disorders
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Baylor College Houston PSP Review - Summary and discussion of a PSP case presentation. PSP review included.
BBC News: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - A closer look at PSP, closely related to Parkinson's disease.
Meta Description: [ A closer look at this condition, closely related to Parkinson's disease. ]
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BrainTalk Communities - Neurology Support Groups - Online patient support group PSP. Moderated forum.
Chorus: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - A short notecard document about progressive supranuclear palsy (Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndome).
Meta Description: [ a CHORUS notecard document about progressive supranuclear palsy (Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndome) ]
ClinicalTrials.gov - Active clinical PSP therapy study.
eMedicine Health - Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of PSP, a rare degenerative disease of the brain.
Meta Description: [ Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare degenerative disease of the brain. The disease impairs movements and balance. Many people with PSP also experience changes in mood, behavior, and personality. ... ]
NORD: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - Information from the National Organization for Rare Disorders about progressive supranuclear palsy.
Meta Description: [ National Organization for Rare Disorders is dedicated to helping people with rare, orphan diseases. Rarediseases.org contains information on the prevention, treatment and cure of rare diseases. ]
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke fact sheet.
Meta Description: [ Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). ]
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - Assay on the disease including general information on symptoms and treatment.
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Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Webforum - Webfroum hosted by MGH (updated version). Anonymous posts. Not moderated.
PSP Pathology Case - Clinical history, specimens and microscopic description.
PSP-Europe Association - Disease and research information and a PSP newsletter.
PSPinformation.com - Information and support for those with progressive supranuclear palsy and their caregivers.
Meta Description: [ Here's information and help for those with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) from caregiver's and families who know this disease. ]
Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Some Answers - Frequently asked questions about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
The CaF Directory: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - Information about PSP and the activities of the PSP Europe Association.
Meta Description: [ Contact a Family is a UK charity for families with disabled children. We offer information on specific conditions and rare disorders. ]
The Canadian Movement Disorder Group - Table of Parkinson Plus resources.
The Canadian Movement Disorder Group - Short description of Parkinson Plus Syndromes.
The Parkinson's Institute - Progressive Supernuclear Palsy - Good description of PSP and associated disorders.
WebMD Health: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - Causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, therapy and prognosis of PSP.
