Overview
Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia (also called autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia, or AD-HSP) is a group of inherited neurological conditions that primarily affect the nerves controlling leg movement. The hallmark feature is progressive stiffness and weakness in the legs, caused by gradual damage to the longest nerve fibers in the spinal cord. In the "pure" form, symptoms are mainly limited to leg stiffness (spasticity), weakness, and sometimes bladder problems. In the "complex" form, additional neurological features may be present, such as problems with balance, vision, hearing, thinking, or sensation in the hands and feet. Symptoms usually develop gradually and can begin at any age, though many people notice difficulty walking in early adulthood or middle age. The rate of progression varies widely — some people remain mobile for decades, while others may eventually need a wheelchair. Because many different genes can cause this condition, the severity and specific symptoms can differ greatly even within the same family. There is currently no cure for autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Physical therapy, stretching exercises, and medications to reduce muscle stiffness (such as baclofen or tizanidine) are the main approaches. Assistive devices like braces, walkers, or wheelchairs may be needed as the condition progresses. Research into new therapies is ongoing.
Key symptoms:
Progressive leg stiffness (spasticity)Difficulty walkingLeg weaknessFrequent tripping or fallingMuscle spasms or cramps in the legsBladder urgency or difficulty controlling urinationBalance problemsNumbness or tingling in the feetFoot deformities such as high archesFatigue during walkingDifficulty with fine motor tasks in complex formsProblems with memory or thinking in complex formsVision changes in some complex formsHearing loss in some complex forms
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which specific gene mutation is causing my condition, and what does that mean for my prognosis?,Is my form pure or complex, and what additional symptoms should I watch for?,What physical therapy program do you recommend to maintain my mobility?,What medications can help with my leg stiffness, and what are the side effects?,Should my family members be tested for this condition?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?,What assistive devices or home modifications would you recommend at this stage?
Common questions about Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia
What is Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia?
Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia (also called autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia, or AD-HSP) is a group of inherited neurological conditions that primarily affect the nerves controlling leg movement. The hallmark feature is progressive stiffness and weakness in the legs, caused by gradual damage to the longest nerve fibers in the spinal cord. In the "pure" form, symptoms are mainly limited to leg stiffness (spasticity), weakness, and sometimes bladder problems. In the "complex" form, additional neurological features may be present, such as problems with balan
How is Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia inherited?
Pure or complex autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.