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14 | InTouch SUMMER 2023 HEREDITARY SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA/FAMILIAL SPASTIC PARAPARESIS References Datta A. Hereditary spastic paraplegia. Updated: 2022 Nov 26. In: Roos RP (Ed). MedLink Neurology. San Diego: MedLink, LLC. Available from: www.medlink.com (Accessed on 22 Nov 2023). Opal P and Ajroud-Driss S. Hereditary spastic paraplegia. Updated: 2022 Aug 8. In: UpToDate, Post TW (Ed), Wolters Kluwer. https://www.uptodate. com (Accessed on 22 Nov 2023.) maintain cardiovascular fitness, improve muscle strength, and reduce muscle tightness. An occupational therapist may assess the need for ankle-foot orthotics or other assistive walking devices. Medications to relieve muscle spasticity and urinary urgency may be prescribed by a physician. Botox injections may be used in some cases to relieve focal areas of muscle spasticity. Annual or as-needed evaluations by a neurologist and physiotherapist are helpful in monitoring progress and ensuring the management programmes are relevant. Pregnancy considerations HSP symptoms generally do not change significantly during pregnancy, unless a medication treating symptoms is stopped during the course of the pregnancy. In general, uncomplicated HSP does not pose an increased risk for pregnancy, labour, or delivery, nor is it known to increase the risk associated with obstetric anaesthesia. Research Researchers worldwide continue to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of HSP. There have been some promising results in early studies for gene therapy in a specific HSP subtype (HSP50). While it is still in the preclinical phases, scientists hope this work will pave the way for Continued ... designing gene therapies for other subtypes of HSP. Other research has focused on molecular therapies to improve mitochondrial function in muscle. Thus far, none of these methodologies have progressed yet into clinical use. Support The MDA Fieldworkers are available for support. They have in-depth knowledge of a range of neuromuscular conditions and will better understand your needs and challenges. Have a chat over the phone or they can come to you for a kanohi ki te kanohi/face-to-face visit. They may also have some real practical suggestions that have worked for others. This service is free to MDA members and is funded through donations and grants. Contact your local MDA Branch to be put in contact with your fieldworker. The MDA Support Network allows people with similar circumstances or challenges to come together to share their experiences and provide each other with emotional and moral support, in addition to practical advice and information. By bringing together people with common experiences, support networks can provide an invaluable addition to medical care. The MDA of New Zealand Support Network currently has over 600 members throughout New Zealand who want to be in touch with others living with neuromuscular conditions. Please see the MDA website www. mda.org.nz for contact details and more information that you might find relevant for you and your whanau. HSP symptoms generally do not change significantly during pregnancy, unless a medication treating symptoms is stopped during the course of the pregnancy. In general, uncomplicated HSP does not pose an increased risk for pregnancy, labour, or delivery, nor is it known to increase the risk associated with obstetric anaesthesia Above: Primary features of HSP.