Tropical spastic paraparesis overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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.

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.

Blood transfusion products are screened for HTLV-1 antibodies.

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