Understanding Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Hereditary spastic paraplegia refers to a group of inherited diseases that cause weakness and stiffness in the leg msucles. These diseases share similar phenotypes but are genetically diverse. Different genetic loci for autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, and x-linked forms of hereditary spastic paraplegia have been identified. Clinically, patients present with slowly progressive distal limb weakness and lower extremity spasticity. Peripheral sensory neurons may be affected in the later stages of the disease.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms may include lower limb weakness and muscle stiffness. Severity and progression of the symptoms varies from person to person. Other symptoms may include difficulty urinating and lack of sensation in the feet.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia include medical history, physical exminations and tests such as MRI scans, CSF analysis and nerve conduction stuides. In some cases, genetic testing will be done.

Treatment

There is no cure for hereditary spastic paraplegia but the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. Treatment may include physiotherapy, muscle relaxants, occupational therapy, ankle-foot orthosis and sometimes surgery to release tendons or shortened muscles.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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