Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Symptoms

Early symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) include impaired balance with slow movement and frequent falls.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Inability to look up or down without bending the neck
• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Impaired speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Slowed thought process

Some patients may show more Parkinson's-like symptoms such as:

• Rigid muscles and stiff movement in the neck, trunk and limbs
• Tremor
• Reduced or fixed facial expression

Changes in mood and behavior, including depression, apathy and mild dementia, occur in some patients.

PSP gets progressively worse but is not directly lifethreatening. However, patients become more susceptible to pneumonia, have difficulty swallowing, and are more susceptible to head injuries and broken bones caused by falls. Patients generally need to use a wheelchair in later stages of the disease.