How many cases of progressive supranuclear palsy are there?
How many cases of progressive supranuclear palsy are there?
According to the researchers, the prevalence of PSP identified by their study—based on 560 PSP cases among more than 38 million patients within the databases—is consistent with, but on the lower end, of previously reported estimates. These findings appeared recently in Frontiers in Neurology.
What causes PSP?
What causes PSP? PSP occurs when brain cells in certain parts of the brain are damaged as a result of a build-up of a protein called tau. Tau occurs naturally in the brain and is usually broken down before it reaches high levels. In people with PSP, it isn’t broken down properly and forms harmful clumps in brain cells.
What is progressive supranuclear palsy?
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a complex condition that affects the brain. Progressive means that the condition’s symptoms will keep worsening over time. Supranuclear refers to the region of the brain affected by the disorder — the section above 2 small areas called nuclei.
What are the first signs of PSP?
The initial symptoms of PSP can include:
- sudden loss of balance when walking that usually results in repeated falls, often backwards.
- muscle stiffness, particularly in the neck.
- extreme tiredness.
- changes in personality, such as irritability, apathy (lack of interest) and mood swings.
What is Shy Drager Syndrome?
Shy-Drager syndrome is a multiple-system atrophy (MSA) characterized by parkinsonism (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability) and central autonomic failure that manifests primarily as orthostatic hypotension.
How quickly does MSA progress?
How fast does MSA progress? Unfortunately, MSA progresses rapidly. It starts at an average age of 54 and within only 2 or 3 years produces important disability with regard to walking and balance. Most people with MSA are wheelchair-bound by the 4th year and eventually become bedbound because of general stiffness.