Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
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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?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Spastic Paraplegia Foundation 7700 Leesburg Pike Suite 123 Falls Church, VA 22043 information@sp-foundation.org http://www.sp-foundation.org Tel: 1-877-SPF-GIVE (1-877-773-4483) Fax: 703-495-9261 |
Genetic Alliance 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 404 Washington, DC 20008-2369 info@geneticalliance.org http://www.geneticalliance.org Tel: 202-966-5557 800 336-GENE (4363) Fax: 202-966-8553 |
National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) 2600 Fernbrook Lane North Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752 naf@ataxia.org http://www.ataxia.org Tel: 763-553-0020 Fax: 763-553-0167 |
WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders) 204 West 84th Street New York, NY 10024 wemove@wemove.org http://www.wemove.org Tel: 212-875-8312 Fax: 212-875-8389 |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
Synapse: A PLS Newsletter 212 Farm Road Sherborn, MA 01770 synapsePLS@comcast.net http://www.synapsepls.org Tel: 508-653-5246 |
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Last updated June 19, 2007