Spastic paraplegia, hereditary

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 as baclofen, tizandine and botulinum (Botox) injections can be used to help relieve spasticity
regular physiotherapy is important for helping improve and maintain muscle strength and range of movement
occupational therapy can help the person carry out their daily activities more easily and regain as much independence as possible
ankle-foot orthosis can be worn on the lower leg to help straighten and control the ankle and foot and improve walking
surgery may occasionally be needed to release tendons or shortened muscles

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for spastic paraplegia, hereditary

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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