What it is
There is no cure, and symptoms get worse over several years.
Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and help with eating and swallowing can improve quality of life. Planning ahead for care is important.
Common signs
- Frequent falls, often backwards
- Stiffness and slow movement
- Problems moving the eyes, especially up and down
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in mood or behaviour
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a neurologist
- MRI brain scan
- Watching how symptoms change over time
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- MRI reports
- Therapy plans
- Swallowing assessments
- Care plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- How will the condition change over time?
- Which therapies could help now?
- What support is available for carers?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Choking, a chest infection with fever and breathlessness, or a serious fall: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.