HSP San Diego
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a rare disease, which can make it difficult to find doctors or specialists with specific expertise in its treatment. There are over 90 known types of HSP, and because every case is unique, the condition affects each person differently—even among individuals with the same gene type (such as SPG4).
This site is intended to open the door to options for people with uncomplicated HSP, or spasticity that primarily affects the legs. It was created by someone living with HSP who is not a medical professional. Rather, it is meant to serve as a starting point for those new to the disease—or as a helpful guide for others.
While people with HSP continue to wait for a cure and for treatments that may slow or stop disease progression, this website offers a curated collection of resources drawn from lived experience, clinical insight, and products supported by scientific evidence that may help manage HSP symptoms.
Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider for professional medical advice before trying any of the products or approaches discussed here.
“I must be open-minded and treat my beliefs as hypotheses to be constantly tested and subject to modification by better data.”
—Edward Hess, University of Virginia Professor Emeritus
SPF Conference 2026
Learn from someone who has HSP as she talks about 6 newer technologies that helped lessen spasticity and improve mobility. Sherry talks about the cryoneurolysis procedure that works longer than Botox. Sherry's presentation begins at 6 hours and 56 minutes. Press play to watch the YouTube video. Then, you can return to this website to explore the devices in her presentation.
Dr. Hande Ozdinler's humorous and wicked smart presentation of her research of upper motor neuron diseases which starts in the green YouTube link above at minute 4. At her lab in Northwestern University, she is currently revealing the molecular mechanisms responsible for the vulnerability and progressive degeneration of upper motor neuron loss using models that display these. She is working to find the cure for all upper motor neuron diseases!
Anne Gridley talks about Watch Me Walk and the Alinker 3 wheeled device starting at 4 hours 15 minutes at the YouTube link above.
Here is Anne's interview about her one person show Watch Me Walk. Dr. Ozdinler is my heroine!
It was a great time for building connections with others with HSP! Regina is a gem!
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia - San Diego
“...Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.”
—The Serenity Prayer
Pages titled Rehabilitation Clinics SD, Medical, and Resources Ca & SD have some information specific to San Diego.