Question 1

could anesthesia cause progressive supranuclear palsy (psp)?

Accepted Answer

PSP: There is zero evidence linking PSP to any form of anesthesia. Having said that it is also true that the cause(s) of PSP are unknown. Its virtually unheard of in people under 40. It is known that an abnormal protein (tau) builds up like some other neuro degenerative diseases. If you have PSP, you would be more at risk for other complications of anesthesia.

Question 2

is it possible for anesthesia cause progressive supranuclear palsy (psp)?

Accepted Answer

NO: Psp was described by steele and richardson many years ago.  It was then found to be a progressive disease similar to parkinsons.  It is assumed that it is a form of slow virus, but no definite or consistent cause has been uncovered.  Certain stress states may bring out the symptoms, including surgery and anesthesia, but can not be considered as the cause.

Question 3

how can you treat progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

Not good: Not very much except for supportive care.  Doesn't respond well to drugs used for other types of parkinson's.

Question 4

how is progressive supranuclear palsy (psp) diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Cannot look up: Similar to but worse prognosis than Parkinson's disease sharing the rigidity and poverty of movements, inability to look up with head kept straight.

Question 5

what is the prognosis for progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

Fair to poor: Fair to poor, depends on how severe it is.

Question 6

which disease is similar to progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

Dementia: Progressive supranuclear palsy is a degeneration of brain cells that leads to difficulty walking, short-term memory loss and an inability to look up. It can be confused with alzheimer's disease or parkinson's disease.

Question 7

what are the complications of progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

Falls: Usually starts with falls swallowing difficulties are also seen.

Question 8

are there alternative names of progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

YES: The previous name for psp was steele-richardson-olszewski syndrome.

Question 9

what are the symptoms that characterize progressive supranuclear palsy?

Accepted Answer

Brain studies: This is a term reserved for conditions that affect the connection between nuclei controlling the eye movements with the centers in the brain usually in the frontal lobes.    Inability  to look up is a common finding.

Question 10

is possible for progressive supranuclear palsy to be cured / get better?

Accepted Answer

Good Rx, but no cure: Dopamine meds for physical parkinsonism: Azilect (mao-b selective inhibitor) & sinemet +/- Comtan (stalevo (carbidopa and levodopa and entacapone) is both together). Tailor rx & watch for side effects. Avoid Dopamine agonists (requip xl/mirapex er/neupro)--too side effect prone for psp patients. For dementia: namenda, paired with Exelon patch or aricept. For psychosis: seroquel or clozaril. Remember, response is variable, but worthwhile.

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Doctor answers about:

Cause of progressive supranuclear palsy

A member asked:

Could anesthesia cause progressive supranuclear palsy (psp)?

A member asked:

Is it possible for anesthesia cause progressive supranuclear palsy (psp)?

A member asked:

How can you treat progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

How is progressive supranuclear palsy (psp) diagnosed?

A member asked:

What is the prognosis for progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

Which disease is similar to progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

What are the complications of progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

Are there alternative names of progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms that characterize progressive supranuclear palsy?

A member asked:

Is possible for progressive supranuclear palsy to be cured / get better?

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