Walsh & Hoyt: Neurologic Disorders that Primarily Affect the Mesencephalon

Two neurologic disorders produce profound disturbances of ocular motility, primarily because of their effects on cells in the mesencephalon: progressive supranuclear palsy and Whipples disease. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a degenerative disease of later life characterized by disturbances of tone and posture leading to falls, difficulties with swallowing and speech, and mental slowing. Whipples disease is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by weight loss, diarrhea, arthritis, lymphadenopathy, and fever that may involve and even be confined to the central nervous system.