Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

An early diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is difficult because initial complaints typically are vague. PSP often is misdiagnosed because some symptoms are very much like those of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and more rare neuro-degenerative disorders, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Memory problems and personality changes also may lead a doctor to mistake PSP for depression or even attribute symptoms to some form of dementia.

It is important that your neurologist conduct a thorough clinical evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis of PSP. This involves an interview with you and another person such as a spouse, relative or close friend to provide examples of behavior and daily activities, physical testing for mobility and vision, and neuropsychological testing for evaluation of thinking and reasoning.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007