NINDS Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Information Page

Synonym(s):   Familial Spastic Paralysis

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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 spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Early in the disease course, there may be mild gait difficulties and stiffness. These symptoms typically slowly progress so that eventually individuals with HSP may require assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Though the primary features of HSP are progressive lower extremity spasticity and weakness, more complicated forms may be accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms include conditions that affect the optic nerve and retina of the eye, cataracts, ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), epilepsy, cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and deafness. The diagnosis of HSP is primarily by neurological examination and testing to rule out other disorders. Several genetic mutations have been identified which underlie some of the forms of HSP, and specialized genetic testing and diagnosis are available at some medical centers.

Is there any treatment?

What is the prognosis?

What research is being done?

NIH Patient Recruitment for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Clinical Trials

• At NIH Clinical Center
• Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide

Organizations

Spastic Paraplegia Foundation Spastic Paraplegia Foundation PO Box 1208 Fortson, GA 31808 Phone: 877-773-4483 Email: information@sp-foundation.org www.sp-foundation.org 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: 877-SPF-GIVE	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://synapsepls.org Tel: 508-653-5246

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

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Last updated March 20, 2009