Progressive supranuclear palsy. A progressive neurological disorder characterized by neurodegenerative changes of certain brain regions, including particular areas of the basal ganglia and the brainstem. Symptom onset most often occurs in the sixth decade of life. Associated findings may include balance difficulties, sudden falls, stiffness (rigidity), slowness of movement (bradykinesia), an impaired ability to perform certain voluntary eye movements, and visual disturbances. Affected individuals may also develop slurred speech; swallowing difficulties; personality changes; dystonia; sudden, involuntary, "shock-like" muscle contractions (myoclonus); or other abnormalities. The disorder usually appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically); however, there are some reports of families with multiple affected members, suggesting a possible hereditary component to the disease.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. A degenerative brain disorder sometimes difficult to distinguish from Parkinson's especially in the early stages. PSP symptoms are rigidity and akinesia, difficulty looking up and down, speech and balance problems. Those with PSP often have poor response to antiparkinson medications.