What disease do spastics have?
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. It’s also known as familial spastic paraparesis or Strümpell-Lorrain syndrome.
What causes spastic paraparesis?
Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) TSP is a disease of the nervous system that causes weakness, stiffness, and muscle spasms of the legs. It’s caused by the human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). TSP is also known as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM).
What is spastic paraparesis?
Definition. 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.
Is Hereditary spastic paraplegia a disability?
The long-term prognosis for people diagnosed with HSP varies: Some become very disabled, while others experience only mild disability. Some may eventually need the help of a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
Does HSP run in families?
HSP is seen most often in children between ages 2 and 6. It occurs more often in boys. The disease can happen in siblings of the same family.
What is the best medication for spasticity?
Oral medications used to treat spasticity include:
- Baclofen (Lioresal®)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex®)
- Dantrolene sodium (Dantrium®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®)
Is there a cure for spastic paraparesis?
There currently exist no specific therapies able to prevent, delay, or reverse the progressive disability in HSP. Treatment is exclusively symptomatic and aimed mainly at reducing muscle spasticity and urinary urgency, and improving strength and gait.
What is a spastic person?
spastic. / (ˈspæstɪk, spæsˈtɪsɪtɪ) / noun. an old-fashioned and now offensive name for a person who has cerebral palsy. taboo, slang a clumsy, incapable, or incompetent person.
Can you walk with paraparesis?
Most people diagnosed with paraparesis walk independently or with very little support. Some individuals with paraparesis may benefit from the use of crutches, cane, or splints. Very few people with paraparesis will require a wheelchair to maintain mobility.
Does spasticity get worse over time?
These symptoms of severe spasticity can worsen gradually over time and lead to loss of movement control, muscle weakness, increased care needs, and even sexual dysfunction. Spasticity may occur or worsen because of other conditions (like constipation or infection) or in stressful situations.
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.
What is the life expectancy of a person with CP?
How Long Can Someone Live with Cerebral Palsy? Generally, children born with cerebral palsy can expect to live between 30 and 70 years on average. Those with the longest life expectancies usually have more mobility, better medical care and adaptive equipment and greater autonomy and independence.
How do you get rid of spasticity?
Spasticity can be reduced by:
- Performing stretching exercises daily. Prolonged stretching can make muscles longer, helping to decrease spasticity and prevent contracture.
- Splinting, casting, and bracing. These methods are used to maintain range of motion and flexibility.
What is the best muscle relaxer for spasticity?
Baclofen (Lioresal, Gablofen) Baclofen is the preferred drug for spasticity related to spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS) and is useful in cerebral palsy. Tolerance can occur.
Does spastic mean crazy?
adjective. physically excited, often appearing as if one is losing some control of their body. Why is your dog always so spastic? See more words with the same meaning: crazy, insane, weird, strange.
Is spastic a real word?
Someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs. People now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy. A spastic is someone who is spastic.
Can paraparesis be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for paraparesis. Symptom management is the main aim of treatment. It usually includes physical therapy and medication, such as muscle relaxants. Physical therapy and exercises may improve mobility by strengthening muscles and increasing endurance.
Is spastic paraplegia fatal?
People with spastic paraplegia type 49 can develop recurrent episodes of severe weakness, hypotonia, and abnormal breathing, which can be life threatening.