Spastic Paraplegia

Diagnosinghereditary spastic paraplegia

Source: NHS

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is diagnosed following a thorough clinical examination and the identification of typical symptoms.

Other conditions that causemobilityproblems and muscle stiffness and weakness, such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy , need to be ruled out first.

A number of specialised tests may be used during diagnosis, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and spine, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG) .In some cases, genetic testing may also be needed.

Articles for Spastic Paraplegia

Complications of hereditary spastic paraplegia

Possiblecomplications of hereditary spastic paraplegia include: shortening and hardening of the calf muscles having regular physiotherapy may help prevent this cold feet this is fairly common a

Diagnosinghereditary spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is diagnosed following a thorough clinical examination and the identification of typical symptoms. Other conditions that causemobilityproblems and muscle stiffness and w

Introduction

Find out about hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a rare group of inherited disorders that often cause weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles, which gradually gets worse over time.

Outlook

The outlook for people with hereditary spastic paraplegia varies. Some people are severely affected and need a wheelchair, while others have mild symptoms and don't needto use a mobility aid. The con

Symptoms of hereditary spastic paraplegia

The severity and progression of symptoms will vary from person to person. About 90% of people with hereditary spastic paraplegia have a pure form. Their symptoms are mainly confined to lower limb wea

Treating hereditary spastic paraplegia

It isn't possible to prevent, slow or reverse hereditary spastic paraplegia, but some of the symptoms can be managed so that day-to-day activities become easier. Forexample: muscle relaxants such

What causes hereditary spastic paraplegia?

Most people withpurehereditary spastic paraplegia will have inherited a faulty gene from one of their parents. People with the complicated form of the condition will have usually inherited a faulty g