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Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Synonym(s): Reviewed 03-21-2003 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia? Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and stiffness of the legs. Though the primary feature of HSP is severe, progressive, lower extremity spasticity, in more complicated forms it can be accompanied by other neurological symptoms. These include optic neuropathy, retinopathy (diseases of the retina), dementia, ataxia (lack of muscle control), icthyosis (a skin disorder resulting in dry, rough, scaly skin), mental retardation, peripheral neuropathy, and deafness. Diagnosis is primarily by neurological examination and testing to exclude other disorders. Specialized genetic testing and diagnosis are available at some medical centers. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Spastic Paraplegia Foundation
Genetic Alliance
National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)
Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement
Disorders (WE MOVE)
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Synapse: A PLS Newsletter
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