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Can hereditary spastic paraplegia be cured?
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.
Is there a cure for spastic paraplegia?
There currently exist no specific therapies able to prevent, delay, or reverse the progressive disability in HSP. Treatment is exclusively symptomatic and aimed mainly at reducing muscle spasticity and urinary urgency, and improving strength and gait.
What is hereditary spastic paraplegia HSP?
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 life threatening?
People with spastic paraplegia type 49 can develop recurrent episodes of severe weakness, hypotonia, and abnormal breathing, which can be life threatening. By early adulthood, some affected individuals need a machine to help them breathe (mechanical ventilation).
Is HSP a progressive disease?
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of inherited diseases whose main feature is a progressive gait disorder. The disease presents with progressive stiffness (spasticity) and contraction in the lower limbs.
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.
Can the physical therapy help to treat the hereditary diseases?
The list of diseases treated by physical therapy includes neurological disorders, genetic, or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as sports injuries or even common issues like dizziness.
Is spastic paraplegia 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 rare is hereditary spastic paraplegia?
It’s also known as familial spastic paraparesis or Strümpell-Lorrain syndrome. It’s difficult to know exactly how many people have hereditary spastic paraplegia because it’s often misdiagnosed. Estimates range from 1 in 11,000 people to 1 in 77,000 people.