Progressive Lower Extremity Weakness and Spasticity Due to HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP): A Case Report-Progressive Lower Extremity Weakness and Spasticity Due to HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP): A Case Report

Progressive Lower Extremity Weakness and Spasticity Due to HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP): A Case Report

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Video Summary

This video presentation discusses a case report of a 50-year-old female with progressive lower extremity weakness and spasticity due to HTLV-1 associated myelopathy, also known as tropical spastic parapheresis. HTLV-1 is a retrovirus that infects millions of people worldwide but only causes disease in a small percentage of cases. The disease is characterized by gradual onset of weakness and spasticity in the lower limbs, along with other symptoms such as hyperreflexia and lumbar pain. Diagnosis involves testing for HTLV-1 antibodies in the blood or CSF. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including pain relief and physical therapy, although corticosteroids and monoclonal antibody treatment have shown some promise.

Keywords

HTLV-1 associated myelopathy

tropical spastic parapheresis

retrovirus

lower extremity weakness

spasticity