Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paralysis, refers to a group of genetic disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity (stiffness) of the legs. Symptoms of HSP may occur alone or, in more complicated forms of HSP, may occur in combination with a number of other neurological symptoms.

Generally, the primary feature is severe, progressive, lower extremity spasticity. The spasticity sometimes occurs with abnormalities such as optic neuropathy, retinopathy (disease of the retina), dementia, ataxia (lack of muscle control), ichthyosis (a skin disorder causing dry, rough, scaly skin), mental retardation, and deafness.

There is no specific treatment to prevent, slow, or reverse HSP's progressive disability. Treatment is symptomatic.

The prognosis for individuals with HSP varies greatly. Some cases are seriously disabling while others are less disabling and are compatible with a productive and full life. The majority of individuals with HSP have a normal life expectancy.

Information provided by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
National Institutes of Health

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.