Saunders disease, also known as Saunders syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms such as postural tremors, abnormal involuntary movements, and speech difficulties. It is named after K.E. Saunders, the physician who first described the condition in the late 1960s.
Individuals affected by Saunders disease often experience a specific type of tremor known as "rubral" or "Holmes' tremor." This tremor predominantly affects the limbs, causing irregular and involuntary movements that worsen during specific body positions or when trying to perform delicate motor tasks. Additionally, patients may present with dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that affects the ability to produce intelligible speech due to the involvement of specific muscles required for speech production.
The exact cause of Saunders disease remains unknown, but it is thought to be the result of damage to a region called the red nucleus in the brainstem. Potential causes of this damage include strokes, head trauma, or certain types of brain tumors. Saunders disease is generally diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and a thorough neurological examination. Additional tests, such as brain imaging, may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Although there is currently no cure for Saunders disease, treatment options focus on symptom management and improving the individual's quality of life. Medications such as levodopa can be prescribed to alleviate the tremors, while speech therapy is often recommended to assist with communication difficulties. In some cases, surgical interventions or deep brain stimulation may be considered for more severe symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments.
