What is spastic paraparesis?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a general term for a group of rare inherited disorders that cause weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles. Symptoms gradually get worse over time. It’s also known as familial spastic paraparesis or Strümpell-Lorrain syndrome.

What causes spastic paraparesis?

Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) TSP is a disease of the nervous system that causes weakness, stiffness, and muscle spasms of the legs. It’s caused by the human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). TSP is also known as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM).

Is spastic paraparesis a disability?

HSP refers to a group of inherited neurologic disorders that cause progressive weakness and spasticity, or stiffness, in the lower extremities, mostly the leg and hip muscles. The long-term prognosis for people diagnosed with HSP varies: Some become very disabled, while others experience only mild disability.

How common is tropical spastic paraparesis?

HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects less than 2% of people with HTLV-1 infection.

Is spastic paraparesis treatable?

There are no specific treatments to prevent, slow, or reverse HSP. Symptomatic treatments used for spasticity, such as muscle relaxants, are sometimes helpful. Regular physical therapy is important for muscle strength and to preserve range of motion. There are no specific treatments to prevent, slow, or reverse HSP.

What is the best medication for spasticity?

Oral medications used to treat spasticity include:

• Baclofen (Lioresal®)
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
• Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium®)
• Diazepam (Valium®)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
• Gabapentin (Neurontin®)

Can Paraparesis be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for paraparesis. Symptom management is the main aim of treatment. It usually includes physical therapy and medication, such as muscle relaxants. Physical therapy and exercises may improve mobility by strengthening muscles and increasing endurance.

Is spastic paraparesis inherited?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Early in the disease course, there may be mild gait difficulties and stiffness.

Is spastic paraplegia painful?

The pain is not directly due to HSP itself but is instead often caused by muscle weakness and gait abnormalities resulting from HSP. As certain muscles become weaker, other muscles need to compensate for that weakness. Compensatory measures create an awkward gait that causes strain on many muscles and joints.

How does tropical spastic paraparesis happen?

Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1–associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) is a slowly progressive viral immune-mediated disorder of the spinal cord caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). It causes spastic weakness of both legs.

How do you get tropical spastic paraparesis?

Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1–associated myelopathy is a slowly progressive disorder of the spinal cord caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). The virus is spread through sexual contact, use of illegal injected drugs, exposure to blood, or breastfeeding.

How do you get rid of spastic paraparesis?

Baclofen (a muscle relaxant) is the drug of choice to reduce spasticity. Alternatively, botulinum toxin (a bacterial toxin used to paralyze muscles or to treat wrinkles), clonazepam, dantrolene, diazepam, or tizanidine may be used. Some people benefit from using splints, a cane, or crutches.

What is the prognosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)?

Prognosis. Although HSP is a progressive condition, the prognosis for individuals with HSP varies greatly. It primarily affects the legs although there can be some upperbody involvement in some individuals. Some cases are seriously disabling while others are less disabling and are compatible with a productive and full life.

What does spastic paraplegia, hereditary mean?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Early in the disease course, there may be mild gait difficulties and stiffness.

What is spastic paraplegia 17?

MalaCards based summary : Spastic Paraplegia 17, also known as spastic paraplegia with amyotrophy of hands and feet, is related to hereditary spastic paraplegia and berardinelli-seip congenital lipodystrophy. An important gene associated with Spastic Paraplegia 17 is BSCL2 (BSCL2 Lipid Droplet Biogenesis Associated, Seipin).

What is spastic paraplegia?

Spastic paraplegia is a form of paraplegia defined by spasticity of the affected muscles, rather than flaccid paralysis. The American Spinal Injury Association classifies spinal cord injury severity. ASIA A being the complete loss of sensory function and motor skills below the injury.