Background: Progressive supranuclear palsies (PSP) are usually considered untreatable with either medications or surgery. Objective: Six patients who were being treated as PSP for some time are presented. Detailed clinical and radiological assessments were suggestive of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Results: All of them underwent trial drainage lumbar puncture (LP) and showed very good improvement. All of them were then taken up for theco-peritoneal shunt. Four patients are doing well at follow up (upto 4 years).
The Parkinson medications have been completely stopped. The other two are showing much better response to medications. Conclusion: It may be a good idea to assess in detail both radiologically as well as clinically all patients with suspected PSP. An extensor planter is often a clue. If suspicious of NPH, a trial drainage LP (and shunt) may be worthwhile. Some patients…
