What Is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)? - Dr. Shivam Mittal

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Most people have never heard of Progressive
Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). When you do get the
diagnosis, you may have a lot of questions. This
is patient information for patient and their
families with PSP.

• Progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, is an
  uncommon brain disorder. It causes serious
  problems with walking, balance and eye movements.
• In this disease, brain cells that control the
  muscles of our bodies and our eyes die.This
  causes the symptoms. PSP is a disease that has
  symptoms like those of Parkinsons disease. PSP
  comes under the umbrella term Parkinsonism
  which means syndrome of slowness, tightness,
  loss of balance.
• However, in Parkinsons disease, there is a
  deficiency of dopamine, while in PSP there are
  more widespread abnormalities. Because of this,
  symptoms and treatment are usually quite
  different.
• Parkinsonism is a general term that refers to a
  that results in one or more of the following
  condition
• Bradykinesia Slow, diminishing voluntary
  movements. For example, this may result in small
  handwriting and a fading voice. Automatic
  movements may also decrease such as natural arm
  swing when you walk. And you may have a loss of
  facial expression.
• Tremor (shaking) Rhythmical movement of a body
  part.
• Rigidity Muscle stiffness or tightness.

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• Postural instability Lack of balance and a
  tendency to fall backwards.
• Signs and symptoms of PSP
• Signs and symptoms that you may notice include
• Problems with balance when you walk.
• You may tend to fall backward.
• Changes in your voice and speaking
• Double vision and difficulty looking in bright
  light.
• Problems controlling your bladder.
• As the disease progresses you may notice the
  following
• Trouble swallowing.
• Behavior changes such as impulsive behavior.
• Apathy or lack of interest or emotion.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Trouble focusing your eyes.
• Cause

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• you may have psychometric tests. Your symptoms
  depend on the part of the brain that is
  affected.
• Living with PSP
• You and your family can do some things at home to
  help with your symptoms. You may have to make
  changes to your house to make it safer for you
• Put grab bars in the bathroom and in hallways to
  help you avoid falls
• Use a walker that is weighted to help you avoid
  falls.
• Remove small rugs or other small items that may
  be easy to trip over.
• For family members and friends
• When a loved one is ill, you may forget to take
  care of yourself. Your support is important to
  your loved one, so you must take care of your own
  health. Take care of your physical, emotional
  and spiritual needs so that you can stay well and
  support.

For more information, visit http//www.parkinsons
diseasespecialist.com/