Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): Key Symptoms to Recognize

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a serious neurological disorder. If you or a loved one exhibit these symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

PSP is a rare, progressive brain disorder that affects movement, balance, vision, speech, swallowing, and cognition. Symptoms vary widely in severity and progression.

Common Symptoms of PSP

• Balance and Gait Issues: Early signs often include difficulty walking straight, unsteadiness, and frequent unexplained falls—typically backward.
• Eye Movement Problems: A hallmark of PSP is difficulty controlling vertical eye movements, especially looking downward. This can lead to blurred vision, light sensitivity, and trouble reading.
• Speech and Swallowing Difficulties: Slurred, slow, or monotone speech (dysarthria) and trouble swallowing (dysphagia) often develop as the disease progresses.
• Stiffness and Slowness (Bradykinesia): Muscle rigidity and slowed movement affect the entire body, resembling Parkinson's disease but typically less responsive to levodopa.
• Cognitive and Behavioral Changes: Executive dysfunction—difficulty planning, decision-making, and problem-solving—along with memory issues, apathy, and personality changes.
• Mood Disturbances: Depression and anxiety are common, both as a reaction to the diagnosis and as a direct neurological effect.

This list is not exhaustive. PSP is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, especially in early stages. A neurologist specializing in movement disorders is essential for accurate diagnosis.