How do you test for hereditary spastic paraplegia?

Diagnosing hereditary spastic paraplegia A number of specialised tests may be used during diagnosis, including MRI scans of the brain and spine, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve conduction tests and an EMG. In some cases, genetic testing may also be needed.

Does hereditary spastic paraplegia qualify for 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.

Is Hereditary spastic paraplegia a form of MS?

The clinical similarities between Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and progressive MS, along with their analogous profiles of axonal loss in the long tracts, make the genes known to cause HSP biologically relevant candidates for the study of clinical outcome in MS.

What are the symptoms of hereditary spastic paraplegia?

Signs and symptoms of hereditary spastic paraplegia In pure HSP, symptoms are generally limited to gradual weakening in the legs, urinary bladder disturbance, spasticity, abnormal gait, decreased sense of balance, and, sometimes, impaired sensation in the feet.

Is spastic paraplegia progressive?

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.

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.

Is HSP similar to MS?

HSP shares several clinical features of the progressive phase in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by multiple areas of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss.

Does spasticity get worse over time?

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When does hereditary spastic paraplegia start?

Pattern of symptom progression (course of the disorder): When HSP begins in very early childhood (before age two years, for example), symptoms may not worsen even over many years or decades.

Is paraplegia a neurological condition?

A person with paraplegia may have limited mobility and sensation in the legs. However, they retain their neurologic function in the upper body. An individual with this form of paralysis can often live independently and perform tasks such as eating and dressing without assistance.

Is HSP a progressive disease?

Genetic Alliance, Inc. 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.

Is HSP a genetic disorder?

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.

Which radiologic findings are characteristic of hereditary spastic paraplegia?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a disorder characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and posterior column of the spinal cord. Previously described radiologic findings included nonspecific brain abnormalities such as brain atrophy and white matter lesions, as well as atrophy of the spinal cord.

Which MRI findings are characteristic of spastic paraplegia underlying leukodystrophy?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with spastic paraplegia underlying leukodystrophy: Hyperintensities of the corticospinal tracts in patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) ((A), patient P5 in Table 2) and Krabbe disease (KD) ((B), patient P8 in Table 2).

What is the role of MRI in the diagnosis of spastic paraparesis?

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.

How old are patients with hereditary spastic paraplegic syndrome (HSP)?

A total of 9 patients (5 male and 4 female) from 4 different families were included in the study. All of them fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of HSP. The age onset of symptoms ranged from 18 months to 17 years (mean age of onset, 9 years).