Progressive supranuclear palsy: clinical presentation and rehabilitation of two patients

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), is an infrequent movement disorder characterized by supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, pseudobulbar palsy, and axial dystonia with frequent and unpredictable falls, usually backward. Median survival from time of diagnosis is two years. When diagnosis is reached, the patients are usually disabled and unable to ambulate independently. No specific rehabilitation protocol has been described for PSP. This article examines our rehabilitation experience with two PSP patients and our management of their frequent and unpredictable falls. The rehabilitation program consisted of a thorough physical evaluation; cognitive and speech evaluation and training; exercises to improve strength and coordination; and static and dynamic balance training. In order to improve safety during ambulation, we provided the patients with a heavy shopping cart or wheelchair that they could grab when in danger of losing their balance. The patients were able to achieve independence in ambulation.