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NINDS Troyer Syndrome Information Page

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What is Troyer Syndrome?

Troyer Syndrome is one of about 30 neurological disorders known as the hereditary spastic paraplegias. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and spasticity in the legs. Additional symptoms include leg contractures, difficulty walking, speech disorders, drooling, atrophy of the hand muscles, mild developmental delays, fluctuating emotions, and short stature. Onset is in early childhood. Brain abnormalities seen on magnetic resonance imaging include a thinning of the tissue that connects the brain’s hemispheres and poorly developed surrounding structures. Troyer syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder (meaning that both parents must carry and pass on the defective gene that produces the illness) that results from a mutation in the Spartan spastic paraplegia gene (SPGP20) located in chromosome 13. The disease was first observed in Amish families. Diagnosis is usually by ruling out other disorders and specialized genetic testing.

Is there any treatment?

There are no specific treatments to prevent or slow the progressive degeneration seen in Troyer Syndrome. Symptomatic therapy includes antispasmodic drugs and physical therapy to improve muscle strength and maintain range of motion in the legs. Assistive devices may be needed to help with walking.

What is the prognosis?

Prognosis varies, although the disease is progressive. Some patients may have a mild form of the disease while others eventually lose the ability to walk normally. Troyer Syndrome does not shorten the normal life span.

 

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on genetic disorders such as HSP. A gene for Troyer Syndrome has been identified and others may be identified in the future. Understanding how these genes cause Troyer Syndrome and the hereditary spastic paraplegias in general will lead to ways to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Troyer Syndrome Clinical Trials



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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
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Last updated January 29, 2009