What it is
It usually gets worse slowly over many years. Life expectancy is usually not affected.
There is no cure, but physiotherapy, exercise, medicines for stiffness, and walking aids can help.
Common signs
- Stiff, tight leg muscles
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty walking and tripping
- Needing to pee urgently
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a neurologist
- MRI scans to rule out other conditions
- Genetic testing
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology letters
- Genetic test results
- MRI reports
- Physiotherapy notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which type of HSP do I have?
- Could my children inherit it?
- Which therapies could help my walking?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden change in strength or bladder control: get urgent medical help, it may be something else
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.