Spastic paraplegia type 8

Spastic paraplegia type 8 belongs to a group of genetic disorders known as hereditary spastic paraplegias. These disorders are characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (spasticity) and weakness. Hereditary spastic paraplegias are divided into two types: pure and complex. The pure (also called uncomplicated) types involve only the nerves and muscles that control the legs and bladder, whereas the complex (also called complicated) types also involve the nervous system in other parts of the body. Spastic paraplegia type 8 is a pure hereditary spastic paraplegia.

People with spastic paraplegia type 8 have spasticity and weakness of the leg muscles. Affected individuals may also experience exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia), a decreased ability to feel vibrations, and reduced bladder control. The signs and symptoms of spastic paraplegia type 8 can begin in childhood, although they typically appear in early to mid-adulthood. 

People with spastic paraplegia type 8 tend to be more severely affected than those with other types of hereditary spastic paraplegias; affected individuals typically require wheelchair assistance in adulthood. However, the signs and symptoms of spastic paraplegia type 8 can vary, even among members of the same family.