PSP also called as Steele-Richardon-Olszewski syndrome is a degenerative deterioration and death of cells in the areas of brain especially those that control the body movements (midbrain) and thinking (frontal lobe).

  PSP worsens over time and can lead to life threatening complications, such as pneumonia and swallowing problems. There is no cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy; hence treatment focuses on managing the signs and symptoms and to improve the quality of life.

Vata is considered to be the cause of all type of movements of the body and plays a major role in the pathogenesis of various diseases.It aggravates due to Dhatukshaya or Avarana. Most of the neurodegenerative disorder presents a picture of Vata dominant symptoms where Vata primarily gets aggravated due to Avarana which in turn leads to Dhatukshaya leading to increased aggravation of Vata.This feedback mechanism makes neurodegenerative disease almost incurable, if treated late.

Signs and symptoms:

The pattern of signs and symptoms can be quite different from person to person.

• Imbalance while walking
• Slow walking, sometimes hurried and uncontrolled walking.
• Unexplained falls
• Stiffness or awkwardness in gait
• Blurring of vision, difficulty in controlling eye movements
• Fixed eyeball: limited movement of the eyeballs.
• Inability to maintain eye contact during conversation
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Depression and anxiety
• Slow slurred speech
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Mask like facial expression
• Urinary incontinence and constipation

 Since many symptoms of PSP are also seen in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, particularly early in the disorder, PSP is often misdiagnosed as PD.

Treatments:

Ayurveda has unique approach for the PSP management where importance is given for careful selection of external Ayurveda therapy, internal Ayurveda medicines Yoga and Physiotherapy. Diet modification is advised. De-stressing the patient as a part of treatment is also done. Patient is encouraged to perform activities of daily living as much as possible. Support from family members and care givers are paramount. Lifestyle modification to avoid frequent fallsare also taught. Patient’s family members and care givers are educated about the condition.

What to expect after the treatment program:

1. Improved flexibility of the spine and joints.
2. Improved flexibility of the muscle groups.
3. Improved strength to the muscle groups.
4. Improved eyeball movements.
5. Improved balance.
6. Improved coordination.
7. Reduced difficulty for speech and swallowing.
8. Improved gait.
9. Improved mental status.
10. Improved quality of life
11. Other symptomatic relief.

Follow-Up:

Usually, follow-up treatment is advised after a gap of 6 to 9 months, depending upon the condition of the individual patient. A total of at least 3 follow-up sessions suggested.

Please note:
Response to the treatment varies from patient to patient depending upon the duration of the illness, severity, stage and other co-morbid conditions.

A lot of effort and participation from the patient’s side is needed to get the desired results. Patients who are too old & weak, who are mentally compromised / unstable, who are unable to follow basic commands, who are unable to respond to instructions and who have undergone DBS surgery cannot be taken up for treatment. Favorable results not expected with such patients.

  Patients above the age of 70 years may or may not get the desired results owing to old age.

  Patients having Cardiac (heart) problems and / or Renal (Kidney) problems may not be considered for treatment at our Institution.

  Patients having Psychiatric / Psychological issues may not be able to achieve the desired results.