Jorik Nonnekes, Bas van Lith, Bart P. van de Warrenburg, Vivian Weerdesteyn, Alexander C.H. Geurts
Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6541GX Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E-mail: jorik.nonnekes@radboudumc.nl

DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2227

Treatment of balance impairments and falls in people with hereditary spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is an inherited disorder. People with HSP experience spasticity, muscle weakness, and a reduced vibration sensation in their legs. Moreover, they have balance impairments and fall frequently, which can result in injuries. In our article, we explain which factors contribute to frequent falls in people with HSP. Moreover, we explain how a clinical doctor can identify people with HSP who are prone to falling, and which treatment options exist to minimize falls.