There is no single test to diagnose progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Instead, the diagnosis is based on the type and pattern of your symptoms, while other conditions that can cause similar symptoms are ruled out.
The diagnosis must be made or confirmed by a consultant with expertise in PSP (usually this will be a neurologist).
Imaging scans
If you have symptoms of PSP that suggest there is something wrong with your brain it is likely that you will be referred for a scan.
Brain imaging scans may include:
These types of imaging studies can be useful in ruling out other possible conditions such as brain tumour or stroke.
They can also detect abnormal changes to the brain that are consistent with a diagnosis of PSP, such as shrinkage in the cortex and basal ganglia.
Ruling out Parkinson’s disease
You may be prescribed a medication called levodopa which can help to determine whether your symptoms are caused by PSP or Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease usually experience a marked improvement in their symptoms after taking levodopa.
However, this is not the case for people with PSP as levodopa usually only has a limited beneficial effect in one in three people with the condition.
Neuropsychological testing
It is also likely that you will be referred to a neurologist (nerve and brain specialist) and possibly also a psychologist for what is known as neuropsychological testing.
This involves having a series of tests that are designed to evaluate the full extent of your symptoms and their impact on your mental abilities.
The tests will look at abilities such as:
- memory
- concentration
- ability to understand language
- the ability to process visual information, such as words and pictures
Most people with PSP have a distinct pattern in terms of their mental abilities, including poor concentration, a low attention span and problems with spoken language and processing visual information. Their memory of previously learned facts is usually unaffected.
Emotional support
Once other possible causes of your symptoms have been ruled out, a confident diagnosis of PSP can usually be made.
Being told that you have PSP can be an emotionally devastating experience, and the news can often be difficult to take in. Therefore, at this time, it is important that you have the support of your family and care team who will be able to help you to come to terms with the diagnosis.
A charity called The PSP Association can give you practical advice and information about living with PSP, as well as providing you with support to help you cope with the emotional impact of the condition.
As your symptoms progress you will require full-time care and equipment, such as a wheelchair, to help with activities.
Read a practical guide to caring and more about adjusting to a disability.
