What is spastic paresis?

Hereditary (familial) spastic paraparesis is a group of rare hereditary disorders that cause gradual weakness with muscle spasms (spastic weakness) in the legs. People with hereditary spastic paraparesis have exaggerated reflexes, cramps, and spasms, making walking difficult.

What causes spastic paraparesis?

What causes hereditary spastic paraplegia? Most people with pure hereditary spastic paraplegia will have inherited a faulty gene from 1 of their parents. People with the complicated form of the condition will have usually inherited a faulty gene from both parents.

Is Hereditary spastic paraplegia life threatening?

People with spastic paraplegia type 49 can develop recurrent episodes of severe weakness, hypotonia, and abnormal breathing, which can be life threatening. By early adulthood, some affected individuals need a machine to help them breathe (mechanical ventilation).

Is spastic paraplegia a form of cerebral palsy?

HSP is not a form of cerebral palsy even though it physically may appear and behave much the same as spastic diplegia. The origin of HSP is different from cerebral palsy. Despite this, some of the same anti-spasticity medications used in spastic cerebral palsy are sometimes used to treat HSP symptoms.

What causes paresis?

Paresis occurs when nerves are damaged. When this happens, muscles that are served by the affected nerve may not function properly. There are a variety of different causes of paresis, including injury, stroke, spinal cord inflammation, and conditions like MS. There’s currently no cure for paresis.

What are the symptoms of spasticity?

Spasticity symptoms include continuous muscle stiffness, spasms and involuntary contractions, which can be painful. A person with spasticity may find it difficult to walk or perform certain tasks. Spasticity in children can result in growth problems, painful and deformed joints and disability.

Is familial spastic paraplegia progressive?

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.

Can spastic paraplegia be cured?

Currently, no specific treatment exists to prevent, retard, or reverse progressive disability in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Nonetheless, treatment approaches used for chronic paraplegia from other causes are useful.

What is the mildest form of cerebral palsy?

Individuals with mild cerebral palsy are often classified as GMFCS level 1. These individuals are generally able to walk and perform everyday activities without assistance. Because they’re able to maintain their independence, mild CP can go unnoticed and consequently untreated for years.

What is the paresis?

Paresis is a condition in which muscle movement is weakened. Unlike paralysis, individuals with paresis still have some control over the affected muscles. Paresis occurs due to nerve damage, which can be caused by a variety of factors or conditions.