Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Treatment in India

Neha Iyer, a 68-year-old retired school...

Neha Iyer, a 68-year-old retired school principal from Chennai, had always been the anchor of her family. Over the past two years, her family noticed subtle changes. She began having unexplained falls, her posture became rigid and stooped, and her speech grew slower and more monotone. Most distressing for Neha, an avid reader, was her increasing difficulty looking down to read her beloved books; her eyes seemed to have a mind of their own. Her general physician referred her to a neurologist, Dr. Sharma. After a detailed examination, brain MRI, and assessment of her eye movements, Dr. Sharma gently explained his suspicion: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare brain disorder affecting movement, balance, and eye control. He clarified it was not Parkinson's, though similar, and there was no single diagnostic test or cure. The 'procedure' was the diagnostic journey itself and initiating a comprehensive management plan. This involved a trial of Parkinson's medications (which provided minimal benefit), a referral to physiotherapy for gait and balance training, and occupational therapy for home safety. Post-diagnosis, Neha worked with a speech therapist to improve communication and used prism glasses to help with her downward gaze. The outcome was not recovery, but stabilization and adaptation. The emotional journey was profound. Initially, Neha felt a deep sense of loss and frustration, grieving for her independence. After the diagnosis, while difficult, it provided a name for her struggle. With the support of her care team and family, she channeled her disciplined nature into her therapy routines. She found a new purpose in educating her former colleagues about PSP and learned to appreciate audio books. The journey shifted from seeking a cure to finding courage and maintaining quality within her new reality.