progressive supranuclear palsy [L, supra, above, nucleus, nut kernel; Gk, paralyein] , a rare progressive neurological disorder of unknown cause occurring in middle age, more often in men. It is characterized by paralysis of eye muscles, ataxia, neck and trunk rigidity, pseudobulbar palsy, and parkinsonian facies. Dementia and inappropriate emotional responses also are common. Treatment usually includes the antiparkinsonian drug levodopa for control of extrapyramidal symptoms. Also called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome. See also Parkinson’s disease.
