Hereditary spastic paraplegia
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Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of hereditary, degenerative, neurological disorders that primarily affect the upper motor neurons. Upper motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord deliver signals to the lower motor neurons which in turn, carry messages to the muscles. In HSP, upper motor neurons slowly degenerate so the muscles do not receive the correct messages causing progressive spasticity (increased muscle tone/stiffness) and weakness of the legs leading to difficulty walking. As degeneration continues, symptoms worsen.[1]
References
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Fink. Primary Upper Motor Neuron Disorders Chart. Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) Web site. 2004 Available at: http://sp-foundation.org/chart.htm. Accessed October 12, 2007.
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