Brain & Nervous System Health Center

Font Size

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Nuchal Dystonia Dementia Syndrome
PSP
Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare degenerative neurological disorder characterized by loss of balance when walking; loss of control of voluntary eye movement, especially in the downward direction, and other voluntary muscle activity (akinesia); abnormal rigidity (spasticity); postural instability; speech difficulties (dysarthria); and problems related to swallowing and eating (dysphagia). Affected individuals frequently experience personality changes and cognitive impairment. For example, the ability to recognize, judge, and perceive may be affected. Symptoms typically begin in one’s 60s, but can start as early as the 40s. The exact cause of progressive supranuclear palsy is unknown. PSP is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease, or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Resources

WE MOVE (Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders)
204 West 84th Street
New York, NY 10024
USA
Tel: 2128758312
Fax: 2128758389
Email: wemove@wemove.org
Internet: http://www.wemove.org

CurePSP, Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Executive Plaza III Suite 906
11350 McCormick Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Tel: (410)785-7004
Fax: (410)785-7009
Tel: (800)457-4777
Email: spsp@psp.org
Internet: http://www.psp.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP Europe) Association
The Old Rectory
Wappenham
Towcester
Northamptonshire, Intl NN12 8SQ
United Kingdom
Tel: 44 1327 860299
Fax: 44 1327 861007
Email: psp@pspeur.org
Internet: http://www.pspeur.org

National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
1501 NW 9th Ave/Bob Hope Road
Miami, FL 33136-1494
Tel: (305)243-6666
Fax: (305)243-5595
Tel: (800)327-4545
Email: contact@parkinson.org
Internet: http://www.parkinson.org

UCSF Memory and Aging Center
350 Parnassus Avenue
Suite 706
San Francisco, CA 94117
Tel: (415)476-6800
Fax: (415)476-4800
Internet: http://memory.ucsf.edu

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 3/31/2008
Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: March 31, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.