Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Difficulty swallowing can lead to aspiration, or the passage of food into the airways. This can cause choking, and increases the likelihood of developing pneumonia. To prevent this, a gastrostomy tube can be used to introduce liquified food directly into the stomach.

Frequent falling and slow movements usually mean that a person with PSP will need a wheelchair for safety and mobility early on in the course of the disease.

Visual disturbances may include blurred vision or difficulty focusing, in addition to gaze palsy. Loss of vision causes difficulty with reading, eye-hand coordination, and general activities of daily living.