For Those Affected by MSA, PSP, and CBS
What We Treat
The University of Michigan Atypical Parkinsonian Syndrome Clinic was created in the summer of 2020 to promote best clinical care and access to research for those patients and families affected by the named conditions:
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS, aka CBD)
While these conditions can share features of typical Parkinson’s Disease (PD) such as parkinsonism (tremor, slowness, stiffness, shuffling gait), they are each unique and frequently pose greater challenges earlier in the disease course than with typical PD.
About Us
Our clinic focuses on providing expert clinical care from diagnosis and through the toughest times of the disease. We utilize a coordinated approach to care, working together with specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-swallow therapy, urology, psychiatry, and palliative care. Some of these services are available in-house while others are sought locally, depending on your location and individual circumstance.
Our mission is to provide the best possible care throughout all aspects of the disease, evolving our approach to care alongside evolving needs. Whether in symptom management or in navigating the world of disability and caregiver support, we will do our best to make a life living with these conditions as meaningful and worthwhile as possible.
Make an Appointment
To request an appointment in our Atypical Parkinsonian Syndrome Clinic, please call 734-764-6831 or have your physician fax a referral to (734) 615-4991, noting ‘Atypical Parkinsonian Syndrome’, ‘MSA’, ‘PSP’ or ‘CBS’ in any accompanying documents.
Research
Whether in the realm of getting to an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, or in improving therapeutics to treat, slow or stop these diseases, further research in MSA, PSP, and CBS if very much needed.
For those interested in participating in research here at the University of Michigan, please see:
- UMhealthresearch.org
- Functional Neuroimaging, Cognitive, and Mobility Laboratory
- University of Michigan Brain Bank
- For a broader survey of research for your condition, please see: ClinicalTrials.gov
How to Help
There are several ways you can help us continue to advance research and care for the atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
Brain Donation Program
The Brain Autopsy and Donation Program provides individuals and families with an opportunity to contribute to research. With the hope of developing pharmaceutical treatments and finding cures, the Brain Bank is committed to providing the scientific community with the brain tissues necessary to investigate the progression of neurological disease. Scientists around the world contact the Michigan Brain Bank to access tissue and information. For those interested in learning more about our brain donation program, please see the University of Michigan Brain Bank.
Monetary Donations
For those interested in making a monetary donation to help provide resources to our physicians and scientists to help them better understand, and treat, atypical parkinsonian syndromes here at the University of Michigan, please contact our Development Officer, Kirsten Petriches, at [email protected] or 734-763-5240.
Our Team
- Chauncey Spears, MD - Clinic Director
- Kathy Bennett, MSN, RN, CCCTM - Nurse Coordinator
- Kelly Hardy, MSW - Social Worker
- Karen Kluin, MS, CCC, BC-ANCDS - Speech Pathologist