Spastic paraplegia, hereditary
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 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.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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