Why do patients with PSP fall? Evidence for abnormal otolith responses

• Published in: Neurology Vol. 70; no. 10; p. 802
• Main Authors: Liao, K, Wagner, J, Joshi, A, Estrovich, I, Walker, M F, Strupp, M, Leigh, R J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 04.03.2008
• Subjects: Accidental Falls; Aged; Efferent Pathways - physiopathology; Female; Head Movements - physiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oculomotor Muscles - innervation; Oculomotor Muscles - physiopathology; Otolithic Membrane - physiopathology; Postural Balance - physiology; Reflex, Abnormal - physiology; Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular - physiology; Saccule and Utricle - physiopathology; Semicircular Ducts - physiopathology; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive - complications; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive - physiopathology; Vestibular Diseases - diagnosis; Vestibular Diseases - etiology; Vestibular Diseases - physiopathology; Vestibular Function Tests; Vestibular Nuclei - physiopathology; Vestibule, Labyrinth - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1526-632X
• DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000304134.33380.1e

Patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) fall frequently, beginning early in the course of their disease. Abnormal vestibulospinal reflexes are suspected, but the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex, which is mediated by the labyrinthine semicircular canals, survives late into the course of th...