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This is a gradual progressive disease of the spinal cord usually caused by infection with the human t-cell lymphotropic virus. The symptoms of this virus include Back pain with gradual loss of motor functions in one or both legs, ataxia, and urinary incontinence.
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∙ 14y ago
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What is tropical spastic paraparesis?
Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a slowly progressive spastic paraparesis caused by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), with an insidious onset in adulthood.
How long can tropical spastic paraparesis remain dormant?
The disease may remain undetected for years after infection is contracted.
What is hereditary spastic paraplegia?
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a hereditary degenerative disorder affecting the corticospinal tracts (long never fibers that supply the upper and lower limbs) within the spinal cord.
How is tropical spastic paraparesis cured?
While the disease is incurable, significant improvement has been reported in the condition of TSP patients treated with corticosteroids
Where is tropical spastic paraparesis found in the U.S.?
isolated cases have been diagnosed in the southeastern United States and other places in the United States
Where does tropical spastic paraparesis occur?
TSP is most frequently found in: the Caribbean, Japan, the Seychelles Islands, regions of South America, western Africa
How is tropical spastic paraparesis diagnosed?
Infectious disease specialists use blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord to diagnose this condition.
Who is most likely to contract tropical spastic paraparesis?
TSP usually affects adults between the ages of 30 and 40, and is far more common in women than in men.
What is the purpose of physical therapy for tropical spastic paraparesis?
Physical therapy is designed to help restore and maintain useful movements or functions and prevent complications such as frozen joints, contractures, or bedsores.
What are some less common side effects of tropical spastic paraparesis?
20% of patients with TSP may also experience: deafness, double vision, dysmetria, exaggerated reflexes, facial paralysis, tremor.
What is the cause of tropical spastic paraparesis?
The cause of HAM/TSP is still a matter of debate. Three hypotheses are considered by scientists as the most likely cause of TSP: direct toxicity, autoimmunity, and bystander damage.
What medications are used to treat tropical spastic paraparesis?
significant improvement has been reported in the condition of TSP patients treated with corticosteroids. These drugs are believed to alleviate symptoms by suppressing the immune system's response to the virus that causes them.
