Spastic paraplegia, hereditary
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 weakness and involuntary spasms and musclestiffness (spasticity).
The remaining 10% have a complicated or complexform of the condition. This means theyhave other symptoms in addition to the muscle weakness and spasticity. They may have a wide range of symptoms.
Purehereditary spastic paraplegia
The main symptoms of purehereditary spastic paraplegia are:
- a gradual weakness in the legs
- increased muscle tone and stiffness (spasticity)
- urinaryproblemssuch as a sense of urgency even when the bladder isn't full
- a lack of sensation in the feet (sometimes)
Childrenmay develop leg stiffness and problems walking, such as stumbling and tripping, particularly on uneven ground. This is because it's difficult for them to bend their toes upwards as a result of having weak hip muscles.
Some people may eventually need to use a walking cane or a wheelchair to help them get around. Others may not need to use any type of mobility equipment.
Complicatedhereditary spastic paraplegia
In complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia, additional symptoms may include:
- nerve damage in the feet or other extremities (peripheral neuropathy)
- epilepsy
- problemswithbalance, co-ordination and speech (ataxia)
- eye problems such as damage to the retina (retinopathy) and damage to the optic nerve (optic neuropathy)
- dementia
- ichthyosis a condition that causes widespread and persistent thick, dry, "fish-scale" skin
- learning and developmental problems
- hearing loss
- speech, breathing or swallowing problems
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
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products