Progressive supranuclear gaze paresis

Synonyms in a broader sense

Formerly known as “Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome” after the first descriptors

Introduction

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare disease. Approximately 12,000 people are affected by progressive supranuclear gaze paresis (PSP) in Germany. Progressive supranuclear gaze paresis (PSP) has a parallel course and symptoms to Parkinson’s disease.

Especially in early stages, the disease responds to drugs that are given in the area of Parkinson’s disease. Even today, the disease is still largely misunderstood and much research is still needed. This topic is intended to provide an overview of the disease and make it accessible to a wider public. Progressive supranuclear gaze paresis was first described in 1963 by doctors and Steele, Richardson and Olszewski. This is where the former name “Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome” comes from.

The occurrence in the population

The main age of onset of the disease is between 50 and 70 years. Men and women should be affected about equally often.

The symptoms

The initial symptoms include:

Vertigo
Balance disorders
Gang insecurity
Sudden falls
Difficulties with

Eye movements and body movements must be coordinated with each other in order to perceive the objects in our environment. All eye movements are controlled and corrected by the brain. In progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a slowing down of eye movements can usually be observed in the early stages of the disease.

The changes in eye movements are based on changes in the brain stem. As a result, double images are produced and vision continuously decreases, although the actual vision is not disturbed. Only the fixation on objects is no longer possible or only to a limited extent.

In the further course of the disease, strabismus is possible and the ability to drive is no longer given. Early symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) can be increased irritability or lack of vision. Mood changes up to depression can also occur. Sleep disorders are common in progressive supranuclear gaze paresis (PSP). A slowing down of thinking (bradyphrenia) can also initially make one think of Alzheimer’s disease.