Procerus sign explained

Procerus sign
Synonym:Vertical wrinkling of the forehead
Differential:progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease

The procerus sign (vertical wrinkling of the forehead) is a medical sign consisting of vertical forehead wrinkling around the bridge of the nose and the glabella. This can be seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as progressive supranuclear palsy.

Definition

The procerus sign is defined as wrinkling around the bridge of the nose and the glabella.[1]

Differential

The procerus sign can be seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).[2] It is highly specific to PSP compared to other disorders involving Parkinsonism.

Mechanism

Dystonia of the procerus muscle or the corrugator supercilii muscle leads to abnormal muscle contraction. It is present both when the eyes are open and when they are closed, including during blinking.[3]

History

The procerus sign may also be known as "vertical wrinkling of the forehead" because it often does not just involve the procerus muscle.

Notes and References

  1. Batla. Amit. Nehru. Ravi. Vijay. Tarun. 2010-11-15. Vertical wrinkling of the forehead or Procerus sign in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. en. 298. 1–2. 148–149. 10.1016/j.jns.2010.08.010. 20810128 . 42867971 . 0022-510X. ScienceDirect.
  2. Continuum neurology journal. August 2016. Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders article
  3. Romano. S.. Colosimo. C.. 2001-11-27. Procerus sign in progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurology. en. 57. 10. 1928. 10.1212/WNL.57.10.1928. 0028-3878. 11723296. free.