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Neuromuscular diseases

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)

A disease in which brain cells are damaged over time. Balance, movement, the eyes, speech and swallowing are affected. It usually begins after the age of 60.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

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This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Neuromuscular diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

In PSP, a protein called tau forms clumps in the brain. These clumps damage the brain cells that control movement and balance. Symptoms usually begin after the age of 60. They increase over time, but the speed varies greatly from person to person.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms increase over time and vary from person to person.

  • Loss of balance and frequent falls (the most common early symptom)
  • Difficulty looking up and down
  • Muscle stiffness and slow movement
  • Slow, quiet or slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in behavior such as loss of interest or irritability
  • Slowed thinking and forgetfulness

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test for PSP. The diagnosis is made by a neurologist based on the features of the symptoms. A brain MRI may be done to rule out similar diseases such as Parkinson's. Memory and attention tests are also done.

Treatment and care

There is not yet a treatment that stops the progression of PSP; research is ongoing. Treatment aims to ease symptoms and protect quality of life. Medicine for muscle stiffness and physiotherapy for balance may be given. Speech and swallowing therapy and occupational therapy help. Special glasses or injection treatment can be used for eye problems. If swallowing becomes very difficult, a feeding tube may be considered. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

PSP is usually not inherited. It occurs without anyone else in the family being affected. The risk for children and brothers and sisters is very low. Very rarely it can run in families; it is then passed on through dominant inheritance. In this case, the chance that an affected parent passes it on to each child is 1 in 2. If there is a similar disease in the family, genetic counselling can be obtained.

Source: NHS: Progressive supranuclear palsy · MedlinePlus Genetics: Progressive supranuclear palsy · Orphanet: Progressive supranuclear palsy (ORPHA:683)

Key facts

How common is it?
New cases per year: 1-9 per 100 000 (Worldwide) · Prevalence: 1-9 per 100 000 (Worldwide)
How is it inherited?
Not inherited
When does it usually start?
Adulthood, Older age

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Guides related to this disease

  • Home care and medical devices · Home health service, oxygen and respiratory device reports, wheelchairs and orthoses, power outage notification, emergency plan.

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about PSP

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 24 active interventional studies for this disease. 14 are recruiting now; none has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Neuromuscular diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:683 · ICD-11 8A00.10

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.