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Neurology (Expert Forum)
genetic spastic diplegia
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genetic spastic diplegia
by missuswoman, Nov 10, 2002 12:00AM
My son is 20 months old and originally had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy , spastic diplegia about 4 months ago. However having seen a specialist we have been told that he may have genetic spastic diplegia. I cannot find any information on this and am unable to get hold of the doctor in question at the moment, does anyone have any info about it?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Nov 14, 2002 12:00AM
Hereditary spastic paraplegia and spastic diplegia (which is related to cerebral palsy) are two separate diseases that can be differentiated by the clinical history, age at which the patient presents, and of course the presence of any genetic factors and problems related to the delivery of the child. Spastic diplegia is a form of cerebral palsy in which there are certain areas of the brain that do not receive an adequate supply of oxygen resulting in spasticity of the legs. There are characteristic changes of the brain around the ventricles (fluid filled spaces) that can easily be picked up on MRI called periventricular leukomalacia. The leg spasticity and weakness is present within a few months of birth.
On the other hand, hereditary spastic paraplegia typically has a genetic component (other family members have the disease which is passed on from one generation to another) and the patients usually don't have symptoms until later on in childhood or when they reach middle age (40-50s). You'll have to talk to your physician about the diagnosis and which one your son fits. If there is any question, consider a pediatric neurologist to help you out. GOod luck.
On the other hand, hereditary spastic paraplegia typically has a genetic component (other family members have the disease which is passed on from one generation to another) and the patients usually don't have symptoms until later on in childhood or when they reach middle age (40-50s). You'll have to talk to your physician about the diagnosis and which one your son fits. If there is any question, consider a pediatric neurologist to help you out. GOod luck.
