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Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a group of more than 20 inherited neurological disorders. The condition can start at any age and occurs in about 3 per 100,000 people worldwide. It is a frequently misdiagnosed condition which causes progressive weakness or paraplegia and increased spasticity or muscle tone and stiffness of leg muscles. Symptoms include walking difficulty, balance problems, frequent urination, urination urgency and muscle spasms. The intensity of symptoms varies greatly from person to person. Some sufferers may also develop visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, seizures or involuntary movement. Diagnosis may involve genetic testing or careful examination by an experienced physician. The condition may be misdiagnosed as vitamin B12 deficiency, mitochondrial disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease. There is no cure and treatment involves alleviation of symptoms and maintenance of muscle functioning and mobility. The condition does not lead to an earlier death.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by About
About: Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a frequently misdiagnosed neurological disorder
Date: 9 January 2005
Author: Mary Kugler
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