What are the first signs of progressive supranuclear palsy?

These are also early signs of PSP:

• Becoming more forgetful and cranky.
• Having unusual emotional outbursts, like crying or laughing at unexpected times.
• Becoming angry for no real reason.
• Tremors in the hands.
• Trouble controlling eye movements.
• Blurred vision.
• Slurred speech.
• Trouble swallowing.

How does PSP start?

What causes PSP? PSP occurs when brain cells in certain parts of the brain are damaged as a result of a build-up of a protein called tau. Tau occurs naturally in the brain and is usually broken down before it reaches high levels. In people with PSP, it isn’t broken down properly and forms harmful clumps in brain cells.

What are the 4 stages of PSP?

The four stages are:

• Early stage.
• Mid stage.
• Advanced stage.
• End of life stage.

Is there a test for PSP?

There is no specific test for PSP. It can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to other diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will take your medical history and do physical and neurological exams.

Does PSP cause dizziness?

Falls experienced by a PSP patient are often described as having a state of dizziness, prior to actually falling. This dizziness description is sometimes misdiagnosed as an inner ear problem or a hardening of the arteries that are blocking blood flow to the brain. Other common symptoms of PSP include: Forgetfulness.

Is there a test for supranuclear palsy?

Currently there are no tests or brain imaging techniques to definitively diagnose PSP. An initial diagnosis is based on the person’s medical history and a physical and neurological exam.

Does PSP show up on an MRI?

MRI scans can also detect abnormal changes to the brain that are consistent with a diagnosis of PSP, such as shrinkage of certain areas. Scans that show the build-up of the tau protein in the brain that’s associated with PSP are currently under development.