Citation

Nonnekes J, van Lith B, van de Warrenburg BP, Weerdesteyn V, Geurts ACH. J. Rehabil. Med. 2017; 49(5): 369-377.

Affiliation

Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6541GX Nijmegen, The Netherlands. jorik.nonnekes@radboudumc.nl.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Foundation for Rehabilitation Information)

DOI

10.2340/16501977-2227

PMID

28471471

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Balance impairments are common in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia and are among the most debilitating symptoms, as they frequently result in falls and fall-related injuries. Several features of hereditary spastic paraplegia contribute to balance impairments and multiple treatment options exist. However, an overview of these underlying mechanisms and their treatment is currently lacking.

METHODS: This paper reviews the pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and management of balance impairments in hereditary spastic paraplegia. Recommendations are based on scientific evidence, when available, and otherwise reflect practice-based evidence supported by clinical experience.

CONCLUSION: Through diligent history-taking and clinical examination, followed by multidisciplinary treatment tailored to the identified underlying mechanisms, balance capacities can be improved in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia and at least a proportion of falls can be prevented.

Language: en