Hereditary spastic spinal paralysis

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) encompasses a group of rare diseases that share the key symptoms of slowly increasing spasticity and weakness in the legs. In addition, a variety of additional symptoms may occur, such as coordination disorders (ataxia), thinking or memory disorders, speech and swallowing disorders, visual disturbances, bladder or rectal disorders, and many more. The causes of HSP are genetic; the known genetic defects can affect > 100 different genes. HSP can occur at any age, with manifestations of the disease described in early childhood as well as in old age.