Is HSP a progressive disease?

Is HSP a progressive disease?

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.

When does hereditary spastic paraplegia start?

When HSP begins in very early childhood (before age two years, for example), symptoms may not worsen even over many years or decades. Individuals with this “non-progressive” (non-worsening) pattern may resemble subjects with spastic cerebral palsy, a life-long disorder that also remains relatively stable.

Does hereditary spastic paraplegia affect the brain?

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.

Is HSP a form of MS?

HSP shares several clinical features of the progressive phase in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by multiple areas of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss.

Does HSP run in families?

It occurs more often in boys. The disease can happen in siblings of the same family. Most children with HSP recover fully. But some children may have kidney problems.

Can HSP affect the brain?

Inflammatory changes associated with HSP can also develop in the joints, kidneys, digestive system, and, in rare cases, the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In one form of the disorder, termed Schönlein’s purpura, the skin and joints are affected but the gastrointestinal tract is not.

Is Hereditary spastic paraplegia a rare disease?

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a general term for a group of rare inherited disorders that cause weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles. Symptoms gradually get worse over time.

Does paraplegia get worse over time?

Can a complete spinal cord injury become incomplete?

A complete spinal cord injury occurs when a person loses all sensory and motor function below the level of the spinal cord injury. When a person with a spinal cord injury retains some function below the level of the injury, they have an incomplete spinal cord injury.