Pusher syndrome

Pusher syndrome
Synonyms	Contraversive pushing
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Postural imbalance, falling towards the hemiparetic side
Complications	Increased risk of falls, difficulty with rehabilitation
Onset	Typically after a stroke
Duration	Variable, can improve with therapy
Types	N/A
Causes	Damage to the posterolateral thalamus
Risks	Stroke, particularly affecting the right hemisphere
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, observation of postural control
Differential diagnosis	Vestibular disorders, cerebellar ataxia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, occupational therapy, balance training
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with appropriate therapy
Frequency	Occurs in approximately 10% of stroke patients
Deaths	N/A

Pusher syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by postural control disturbance, where patients actively push away from the non-paretic side towards the paretic side. This is often observed in patients who have had a stroke.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pusher syndrome is the patient's active pushing towards their paretic side with the non-paretic limb, leading to a lateral postural imbalance. Patients with pusher syndrome also have a tilted perception of body orientation in relation to gravity.

Causes

Pusher syndrome is often observed in patients who have had a stroke, particularly those with right brain damage. However, it can also occur in patients with left brain damage. The exact cause of pusher syndrome is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to damage in the brain areas responsible for perception of body orientation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pusher syndrome is based on clinical observation and assessment. The Scale for Contraversive pushing (SCP) is often used to assess the severity of the syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment for pusher syndrome is primarily physiotherapy and occupational therapy, aimed at improving balance and functional mobility. Therapy often involves strategies to correct the patient's altered perception of body orientation.

Prognosis

The prognosis for pusher syndrome varies. Some patients recover fully with therapy, while others may continue to experience balance problems and require ongoing support.

See also

• Stroke
• Neurological disorders
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy

References

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