Is spastic paraparesis treatable?

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.

Can a person with spastic paraplegia walk?

General Discussion. The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a large group of inherited neurologic disorders that share the primary symptom of difficulty walking due to muscle weakness and muscle tightness (spasticity) in the legs. There are more than 80 different genetic types of HSP.

Is Hereditary spastic paraplegia a disability?

The long-term prognosis for people diagnosed with HSP varies: Some become very disabled, while others experience only mild disability. Some may eventually need the help of a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Does hereditary spastic paraplegia affect the brain?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of hereditary, degenerative, neurological disorders that primarily affect the upper motor neurons. Upper motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord deliver signals to the lower motor neurons, which in turn, carry messages to the muscles.

When does hereditary spastic paraplegia start?

Affected infants are typically normal at birth, then within the first 2 years of life, the initial symptoms of infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis appear. Early symptoms include exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) and recurrent muscle spasms in the legs.

Can hereditary spastic paraplegia affect the arms?

People with this form of spastic paraplegia can also have ataxia; a pattern of movement abnormalities known as parkinsonism; exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) in the arms; speech difficulties (dysarthria); difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); involuntary movements of the eyes (nystagmus); mild hearing loss; abnormal …

Does hereditary spastic paraplegia get worse?

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 TSP?

The cause of TSP was obscure until the mid-1980s, when an important association was established between the human retrovirus — human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (also known as HTLV-1) — and TSP. TSP is now called HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis or HAM/TSP.

Does HSP run in families?

HSP is seen most often in children between ages 2 and 6. It occurs more often in boys. The disease can happen in siblings of the same family.

Does hereditary spastic paraplegia show on an MRI?

In patients with spastic paraparesis, MRI is essential, initially to rule out usual causes of paraplegia such as compressive, inflammatory, infectious, or vascular myelopathies. Once the diagnosis of HSP is the most likely, neuroimaging may help in establishing the subtype.

Does exercise help spasticity?

Spasticity involves rigid muscles and muscle stiffness that stems from miscommunication between the brain and muscles after a neurological injury. Exercise is a great treatment for spasticity because it sparks neuroplasticity and helps repair the communication between the brain and muscles.

What are the best exercises for spasticity?

8 Exercises for Spasticity After a Stroke

  • Shifting your weight.
  • Shoulder blade protraction.
  • Ball squeeze.
  • Ball pinch.
  • Wrist curl.
  • Supported reach and grasp.
  • Side lying hip flexion.
  • Knee extensions.

What is a TSP stroke?

Abstract. Hemorrhagic stroke is a devastating cerebrovascular disease with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thrombospondins (TSPs), as matricellular proteins, belong to the TSP family which is comprised of five members. All TSPs modulate a variety of cellular functions by binding to various receptors.