About Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
By Kevin on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome
What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?
PSP is a rare brain disorder that affects movement, balance, and thinking. It happens when certain parts of the brain are damaged over time. This damage is caused by a buildup of a protein called tau, which forms clumps in brain cells.
People with PSP have trouble with balance and often fall backward. They also have problems moving their eyes up and down, making it hard to read or go down stairs. As the disease progresses, it can cause stiffness, slow movement, and changes in speech and swallowing. Some people with PSP also have memory problems or changes in their personality. PSP usually starts in people over 60 and gets worse as time goes on. It's different from other brain disorders like Parkinson's disease, even though they might look similar at first. Getting the right diagnosis is important because the treatments can be different.
How is PSP diagnosed?
Doctors look at a person's symptoms and medical history
Physical exam to check balance, walking, and eye movements
Brain scans like MRI to look for brain changes
Tests of thinking and memory skills
Checking how well someone responds to Parkinson's medications
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Special scans called DaTscans or PET scans in some cases
How is PSP treated?
Although a cure isn’t available, treatments can help with symptoms
Physical therapy to help with movement and balance
Speech therapy for speaking and swallowing problems
Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
Special glasses or Botox injections for eye problems
Medications to help with stiffness or other symptoms
Feeding tubes if swallowing becomes too difficult
Trend
In the United States, about 20,000 people have PSP. This number is probably low because many cases are misdiagnosed.
There isn't clear information about how many people have had PSP in the last five years or projections for the next five years. This is because PSP is rare and often mistaken for other conditions.
History
PSP was first described in 1964 by three doctors: Steele, Richardson, and Olszewski. That's why it's sometimes called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome. Before this, people with PSP were often thought to have other brain diseases. Since then, doctors have learned more about what causes PSP and how it affects the brain. In recent years, researchers have found different types of PSP, which can help with diagnosis and treatment. Scientists are still working hard to find better ways to diagnose and treat.
Source of Information (US and UK)
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.