PSP, MSA, CBD Diagnosis

Does it matter PSP, CBD, MSA?

PSP, CBD and MSA can only be clinically diagnosed and confirmed by only an autopsy. There are some scans that help doctors better determine which they think it is but not many are specialized in this. They suspected PSP for my mom and mom was given the official clinical diagnosis in late 2018 and it was confirmed PSP on her autopsy in May 2019. There are also some symptoms that can help distinguish them. (PSP is known for the eye gaze and issues)

Here is a link to CurePSP where they describe the three in detail.

They thought my mom may have MSA due to some symptoms that presented more as MSA than PSP, like urinary incontinence. Unfortunately they told us that it didn’t particularly matter in regards of treatment and care, as they all follow a similar path and care need. It does however matter for research purposes and to try and better understand these diseases. (it is so important to have a correct diagnosis confirmed, which can only be done by autopsy.)  

I found it very confusing as I thought my mom showed more MSA signs than PSP but as it progressed the PSP hallmark symptom came....The eyes....my mom started losing the ability to move her eyes and focus properly.

Sending you strength and love

Back to blog

Leave a public comment:

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • Board of Directors at Coleen Cunningham Foundation 2025

    Board of Directors at Coleen Cunningham Foundat...

    Introducing the backbone of CCF—our Board of Directors! This carousel showcases the talented individuals guiding our organization forward. Each photo is paired with a brief look at their unique role...

    Board of Directors at Coleen Cunningham Foundat...

    Introducing the backbone of CCF—our Board of Directors! This carousel showcases the talented individuals guiding our organization forward. Each photo is paired with a brief look at their unique role...

  • Introducing Your Guide to Atypical Parkinsonism Care: A Lifeline for Caregivers

    Introducing Your Guide to Atypical Parkinsonism...

    We’re thrilled to announce the release of Your Guide to Atypical Parkinsonism Care: Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones with PSP, MSA, CBD, and DLB, a vital new resource for anyone...

    Introducing Your Guide to Atypical Parkinsonism...

    We’re thrilled to announce the release of Your Guide to Atypical Parkinsonism Care: Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones with PSP, MSA, CBD, and DLB, a vital new resource for anyone...

  • Understanding Caregiver Burnout and Atypical Parkinsonism: Finding Relief Through Respite and Vacation Grants

    Understanding Caregiver Burnout and Atypical Pa...

    Caring for a loved one with atypical parkinsonism—conditions like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), or Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)—is a labor of love that often comes with immense...

    1 comment

    Understanding Caregiver Burnout and Atypical Pa...

    Caring for a loved one with atypical parkinsonism—conditions like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), or Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)—is a labor of love that often comes with immense...

    1 comment
  • Introducing the CCF Awareness Shop for Atypical Parkinsonism: Wear It, Share It, Support It

    Introducing the CCF Awareness Shop for Atypical...

    We’re excited to unveil the CCF Coleen Cunningham Foundation Awareness Shop—a new way to raise awareness for atypical parkinsonism and support our mission at the same time! At CCF, we’re...

    Introducing the CCF Awareness Shop for Atypical...

    We’re excited to unveil the CCF Coleen Cunningham Foundation Awareness Shop—a new way to raise awareness for atypical parkinsonism and support our mission at the same time! At CCF, we’re...

1 of 4