Sudden Impulsiveness

[Positivevibe21]

Good morning,

My husband was diagnosed with PSP in October 2021. His speech and mobility are really bad. He recently had a super pubic catheter fitted due to continuing urine retention. In the last couple of days he has becoming more impulsive than usual getting himself out of bed in the middle of the night and into his wheelchair and trying to take himself to the toilet, undoing the catheter bag constantly. He has also been calling out several times a night wanting a shower. He has been talking non stop although its very difficult to understand when normally he does not talk at all. He had 2 bad falls in the night as i wasn't expecting him to get up. He has 2 sleeping tablets at night and usually sleeps through the night. Has any one else experienced this sudden change in symptoms please

[Zerachiel]

Hi, I experienced this with my wife and what you describe is common with PSP but a sudden change can indicate a water infection or other secondary illness that can make PSP symptoms surface; also new medication (including patches for drying the mouth) can do the same.

[Positivevibe21 in reply to Zerachiel]

Thank you, I think it could possibly be another urine infection.

[Sweenstar in reply to Positivevibe21]

Hi, sounds like a UTI or infection. We had sudden bouts of new level impulsiveness. This was regular at the beginning, then stopped for a good while, then a bout of it being back again, usually after a bit of a change from infection. I would suggest if this is going on for 48 to then get a antibiotic from the gp

[Positivevibe21 in reply to Sweenstar]

Thank you for replying. We saw the consultant yesterday and he ruled out a UTI. He thinks it is a result from the surgery. Fingers crossed the impulsiveness stops soon before he really hurts himself

[Dance1955]

I think the surgery confuses them and also the medication given for it hopefully it will pass but definitely test the urine as it could be a UTI

Best is luck I hope he gets better soon

[Positivevibe21 in reply to Dance1955]

Thank you. Exactly what the consultant said yesterday. Surgery can disrupt the brain causing the impulsiveness. Hopefully it gets better soon

[GonnaMissDaddy]

My dear Daddy with PSP had never had an impulsive moment in his life until PSP. In my research back then, this was several years ago, I learned the impulsiveness was due to the psp reaching into the part of the brain that controls impulsivity. My Dad was like a rebellious teenager for that period of time. If I'd tell him I was going to the bathroom and not to get up from his chair, the minute I walked out of the room he was trying to get up. (Then he'd fall.)

Also what everyone said about UTI (urinary tract infection) was very true for my dad too. UTI's affect the elderly way different than when we're younger and especially when afflicted with something like psp. A change in personality or even hallucinations are signs of UTI. I believe the catheter can cause it. I believe that was what caused my dad to take his last breath.

God be with you. I pray for you and those in your position, and the PSP-warriors, quite often.

[Positivevibe21 in reply to GonnaMissDaddy]

Thank you. The consultant has ruled out a UTI or Infection. He is just like a rebellious teenager. He went from not being able to walk 2 weeks ago to getting in his wheelchair and go into the kitchen to get food. He is unable to eat and is peg fed but said i was trying to starve him. We have had a few falls this week so fingers crossed the impulsiveness stops. He is starting a drugs trial soon that hopefully aims to reduce the impulsiveness. PSP is such an awful disease.