What is spastic paraparesis?
Definition. 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.
What causes spastic paresis?
Spastic paresis is a complex condition associated with damage to the upper motor neurons, typically caused by cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke or trauma.
Can a person with spastic paraplegia walk?
Although there are exceptions (discussed above), an individual with a genetic type of HSP usually associated with “uncomplicated” syndrome would be expected to have only spastic weakness and urinary urgency. Symptoms of HSP vary from mild to severe. Individuals with severe symptoms may be unable to walk independently.
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 you recover from paraparesis?
It can take months or even years to recover fully, but most recover within 9 months. It can happen again, however, with around 12% of people experiencing a recurrence. Individuals who do not see an improvement after 3 weeks should return to the doctor.
Can paraparesis be cured?
Treatment of all forms of hereditary spastic paraparesis focuses on relieving symptoms. Physical therapy and exercise can help maintain mobility and muscle strength, improve range of motion and endurance, reduce fatigue, and prevent cramps and spasms.
Is spastic paraparesis 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.
Is spastic paraplegia painful?
Other signs and symptoms of spastic paraplegia type 49 reflect problems with sensory neurons, which transmit information about sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch to the brain. Many affected individuals are less able to feel pain or temperature sensations than individuals in the general population.
What does hereditary spastic paraplegia feel like?
The main symptoms of pure hereditary spastic paraplegia are: a gradual weakness in the legs. increased muscle tone and stiffness (spasticity) problems peeing – such as an urgent need to pee, even when the bladder is not full.
Can people with paraparesis walk?
Most people diagnosed with paraparesis walk independently or with very little support. Some individuals with paraparesis may benefit from the use of crutches, cane, or splints. Very few people with paraparesis will require a wheelchair to maintain mobility.
How do you prevent leg spasticity?
Local injections of botulinum toxin (Botox®) or phenol into spastic muscles can be very effective for treating spasticity. These shots can selectively reduce tone in muscles causing the most tightness or spasm.
Is spastic paraplegia progressive?
What is HSP? Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a group of rare, inherited neurological disorders. Their primary symptoms are progressive spasticity and weakness of the leg and hip muscles.
What kind of doctor treats spasticity?
While your primary doctor will stay play a vital role in your preventive healthcare, you may need to see a neurologist to help treat spasticity. This type of medical doctor specializes in injuries and diseases of both the spinal cord and brain, such as MS, cerebral palsy, and stroke.
Is walking good for spasticity?
Lower Limb: How to Reduce Spasticity in the Legs
When spasticity affects the legs, it can make it difficult to walk and put you at greater risk of falling. Therefore, exercising the legs is an essential step for lower limb spasticity treatment.
What can make spasticity worse?
Being too hot or too cold can cause your stiffness and spasms to temporarily worsen. Try to keep your temperature as constant as you can. The spasms and stiffness will ease once you become more comfortable. If you are feeling stressed or anxious about something, then your symptoms may worsen.
Does spasticity ever go away?
If left untreated, spasticity can cause permanent shrinking and contracting of the muscles, along with joints locked into single positions. While there’s no cure for post-stroke spasticity, treatments and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms and maintain your range of motion.
What can worsen spasticity?
Extreme cold and extreme heat are both common spasticity triggers. Your body temperature may change because of the weather, exercise, your clothing, or a fever.
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Watch out for infections.
- Respiratory infections.
- Gum infections.
- Tooth infections.
- Colds.
- Flu.
- Stomach bugs.
What is the best medication for spasticity?
Common medications for spasticity include:
- Baclofen (Lioresal®).
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex®).
- Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium®).
- Diazepam (Valium®).
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®).
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®).
What does spasticity in legs feel like?
Spasticity may be as mild as the feeling of tightness of muscles or may be so severe as to produce painful, uncontrollable spasms of extremities, usually of the legs. Spasticity may also produce feelings of pain or tightness in and around joints, and can cause low back pain.