Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, choking that does not clear, loss of consciousness, or a serious head injury.
Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness, or an abrupt speech change may be signs of a stroke rather than ordinary PSP progression and also require emergency care.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
New coughing during meals, unexplained weight loss, or longer mealtimes should prompt a swallowing review.
Seek urgent medical advice for:
Repeated choking or coughing when eating and drinking
Fever, new cough, chest pain, or unusual breathlessness
A sudden major decline in walking, alertness, or swallowing
Signs of dehydration, such as very little urine or increasing confusion
A fall followed by persistent pain or reduced ability to move
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if you notice new falls, worsening stiffness, changes in vision, increasing difficulty speaking, low mood, disturbed sleep, or greater difficulty with everyday tasks.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Progressive supranuclear palsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.