Queston #22277Note

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a Parkinson’s-like neurodegenerative disease. Patients experience symptoms of vertical gaze palsy (particularly with impaired downward deflection), postural instability, early falls, and subcortical frontal dementia. Patients may also experience Parkinsonian symptoms including bradykinesia and tremor. Neuronal loss, gliosis, and the accumulation of tau protein in involved areas are typically seen with neuropathologic analysis. Midbrain atrophy is the most consistent sign seen on imaging. This is known as the “hummingbird sign” and is best seen on the midsagittal plane of an MRI. Currently, there is no disease-modifying treatment for PSP, and the goal of existing treatment is to improve symptoms. Unfortunately, PSP is poorly responsive to levodopa and other dopaminergic medications.