Occasionally patients will experience symptoms that seem to be an obvious indication of Parkinson’s disease. Instead, they will be diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition that is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. PSP is commonly mistaken for Parkinson’s disease because it manifests similar symptoms. Because of its rarity, PSP is mostly unknown to the general public.
What is PSP?
PSP, like Parkinson’s disease, also affects the brain, causing the deterioration of brain cells. PSP specifically affects brain cells in the substantia nigra. When this part of the brain is damaged, palsy symptoms appear and become more noticeable. These palsy symptoms resemble symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Researchers are still unsure what causes brain cells deteriorate in cases of PSP.
What are the early signs of PSP?
The beginning stages of PSP include inability to walk, falling, and stiffness. Falls are often induced by dizzy spells. The dizziness is sometimes that can also lead to a misdiagnosis since dizziness is usually associated with an inner ear problem, or hardening of the arteries that reduces blood flow to a main artery in the neck.
Other symptoms of PSP at onset include
- Forgetfulness
- Change in personality
- Loss of interest in socializing with friends or family
What about the later stages of PSP?
Like Parkinson’s disease, PSP affects a person’s balance which makes falling and injuries a serious concern. A person with PSP also has difficulty with his or her eyesight. As the disease progresses, patients can develop tunnel vision which impedes driving, and has a generally negative effect on quality of life.
What are some medications to combat this disease?
Many of the same medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease are also effective against PSP. Sinemet and other Parkinson’s disease medications can ease the symptoms of PSP. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PSP.
