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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffNo cure exists for progressive supranuclear palsy. However, certain medications and other measures can help improve some symptoms of this disorder.
Medications
- Parkinson's disease medications. These include carbidopa-levodopa, dopamine agonists, and amantadine, which increase levels of dopamine — a chemical that transmits signals between areas of your brain to allow smooth, controlled muscle movements. These medications may help improve slowness, stiffness and balance problems in about 30 percent of people. However, the effectiveness of the drugs is limited and usually temporary, lasting about two years.
- Certain antidepressants. Antidepressant drugs including fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline, may improve symptoms, as well. How they do this is not known; benefits don't seem related to their ability to treat depression.
Therapies
- Botulinum toxin (Botox). This purified form of botulinum toxin may be injected into the muscles or tissue around your eyes. When injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract, which can improve eyelid spasms, although not the movement of the eyes.
- Eyeglasses with bifocal or prism lenses. These aids may help alleviate problems with looking downward.
- Speech and swallowing evaluations. Conducted by a speech therapist, these evaluations can help the therapist advise you on safer swallowing techniques.
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy. This can help improve balance to avoid falls and to help with daily living activities.
References
- NINDS progressive supranuclear palsy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/psp/psp_htm?css=print. Accessed Dec. 4, 2008.
- Progressive supranuclear palsy fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/psp/detail_psp.htm?css=print. Accessed Dec. 4, 2008.
- Karceski S. Progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurology. 2008;71:e70.
- Borroni B, et al. Tau forms in CSF as a reliable biomarker for progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurology. 2008;71:1796.
- PSP: Some answers. Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. http://www.psp.org/doc_library/1217970611/Some%20Answers.pdf. Accessed Jan.18, 2009.
- Treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy. Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders. http://www.wemove.org/psp/psp_tre.html. Accessed Dec. 4, 2008.
- Josephs KA, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of progressive supranuclear palsy in the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy brain bank. Movement Disorders. 2003;18:1018.
- Josephs, KA. (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 21, 2009.
