Procerus sign
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.
| Procerus sign | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Vertical wrinkling of the forehead |
| Differential diagnosis | progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease |
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.[1]
Mechanism
Dystonia of the procerus muscle or the corrugator supercilii muscle leads to abnormal muscle contraction.[1] 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.[1]
References
- 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. 298 (1–2): 148–149. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2010.08.010. ISSN 0022-510X – via ScienceDirect.
- Continuum neurology journal. August 2016. Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders article
- Romano, S.; Colosimo, C. (2001-11-27). "Procerus sign in progressive supranuclear palsy". Neurology. 57 (10): 1928–1928. doi:10.1212/WNL.57.10.1928. ISSN 0028-3878. PMID 11723296 – via Neurology.