General Information
This material has been reviewed by Dr John Fink, M.D., SPF Medical Advisor. Please see the Glossary to help with medical terms.
When was HSP identified?
In the late 1800’s, A. Strümpell, a neurologist in Heidelberg Germany, described this disorder. He observed two brothers and their father, who had gait disorders and spasticity in their legs. After the death of the brothers, Strümpell was able to show through autopsy the degeneration of the nerve fibers leading through the spinal cord. The disorder was originally named after Strümpell, and after two Frenchmen who later provided more information about the disorder, Lorrain and Charcot.
How does HSP cause symptoms?
EXERCISE & STRETCHING
With HSP or PLS, regular exercise isn’t just helpful—it’s a lifeline for your muscles and mobility. The old saying “use it or lose it” really applies here: staying active can slow muscle weakening and help you hold onto independence longer, even when movement feels harder than it used to.
