Troyer syndrome

Troyer syndrome is a type of hereditary spastic paraplegia, also called hereditary spastic paraparesis. Hereditary spastic paraplegias are a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive stiffness (spasticity) and weakness of the leg muscles. The degree of leg weakness in people with hereditary spastic paraplegia can vary. Paraparesis is the term used to describe leg weakness, while paraplegia refers to severe weakness of the leg muscles. 

Hereditary spastic paraplegias are divided into two types: pure and complex (sometimes called uncomplicated and complicated). The pure types of hereditary spastic paraplegia involve the legs and the bladder. Complex hereditary spastic paraplegias may include additional signs and symptoms such as intellectual disabilities, problems with coordination and balance (ataxia), and damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body (peripheral neuropathy). Troyer syndrome is a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia. 

People with Troyer syndrome can experience a variety of signs and symptoms. These health problems typically begin in early childhood and slowly worsen over time. Common features of Troyer syndrome include delays in learning to walk and talk, progressive weakness and spasticity of the leg muscles, muscle wasting in the hands and feet (distal amyotrophy), and short stature. Affected individuals may also have speech difficulties (dysarthria), skeletal (bone) abnormalities, and mood swings. 

Troyer syndrome causes the breakdown (degeneration) and death of muscle cells and motor neurons (specialized nerve cells that control muscle movement) throughout a person's lifetime, leading to a slow decline in muscle and nerve function. Most affected individuals require wheelchair assistance by the time they are in their 50s or 60s. Troyer syndrome generally does not affect a person's life expectancy.