Tropical spastic paraparesis overview
|
Tropical spastic paraparesis Microchapters |
|
Differentiating Tropical spastic paraparesis from other Diseases |
|---|
|
Diagnosis |
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Tropical spastic paraparesis overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tropical spastic paraparesis overview |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tropical spastic paraparesis |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tropical spastic paraparesis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tropical spastic paraparesis is an infection of the spinal cord by Human T-lymphotropic virus resulting in paraparesis or weakness of the legs. As the name suggests, it is most common in tropical regions, including the Caribbean and Africa.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
There is no established treatment program for HAM/TSP although some patients may be given steroids. Clinical studies using interferon alpha and plasmapheresis have not shown significant patient improvement. Spasticity may be treated with lioresal or tizanidine. Urinary dysfunction should be treated with self-catheterization or oxybutynin.
Primary Prevention
Blood transfusion products are screened for HTLV-1 antibodies.