NINDS Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Information Page: NINDS

Conditions: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

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What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paralysis, refers to a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Symptoms of HSP may occur alone or, in more complicated forms of HSP, may occur in combination with a number of other neurological symptoms. Generally, the primary feature is severe, progressive, lower extremity spasticity. The spasticity sometimes occurs with abnormalities such as optic neuropathy, retinopathy (disease of the retina), dementia, ataxia (lack of muscle control), ichthyosis (a skin disorder causing dry, rough, scaly skin), mental retardation, and deafness.

Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment to prevent, slow, or reverse HSP's progressive disability. Treatment is symptomatic.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with HSP varies greatly. Some cases are seriously disabling while others are less disabling and are compatible with a productive and full life. The majority of individuals with HSP have a normal life expectancy.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on genetic disorders such as HSP. The goals of these studies are to increase scientific understanding of these disorders and to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.

 Organizations

Genetic Alliance
4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 404
Washington, DC 20008-2304
info@geneticalliance.org
http://www.geneticalliance.org/
Tel: 202-966-5557 800 336-GENE  (4363)
Fax: 202-966-8553

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
resourcecenter@modimes.org
http://www.modimes.org/
Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637)
Fax: 914-428-8203

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)
2600 Fernbrook Lane
Suite 119
Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752
naf@ataxia.org
http://www.ataxia.org/
Tel: 763-553-0020
Fax: 763-553-0167

Synapse: A PLS Newsletter
95 Campion Road
North Andover, MA 01845-1231
markw732@yahoo.com
Tel: 978-258-0712

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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