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Living with Hereditary spastic paraplegia 73

A pure type of hereditary spastic paraplegia starting in adulthood, with leg stiffness and mild bladder problems.

Understanding Hereditary spastic paraplegia 73

Hereditary spastic paraplegia 73 is a pure form of hereditary spastic paraplegia that starts in adulthood.

It causes stiff, weak legs, brisk reflexes, weakness in the upper legs, mild muscle wasting, reduced vibration sense at the ankles, and mild bladder problems. Some people eventually develop foot differences. Brain MRI and nerve conduction tests show no abnormalities.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Stiff legs (spasticity)
  • Spastic walk
  • Leg weakness
  • Wasting of lower leg muscles
  • Loss of bladder control or urgency
  • Reduced vibration sense in the legs

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in CPT1C are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Spastic Paraplegia Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Spastic Paraplegia Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Spastic Paraplegia Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could genetic testing for the CPT1C gene confirm the diagnosis?
How can bladder symptoms be treated?
Which therapies help with stiffness and walking?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesCPT1C

It is caused by changes in the CPT1C gene. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: autosomal dominant pure spastic paraplegia caused by mutation in cpt1c; autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia 73; autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 73; cpt1c autosomal dominant pure spastic paraplegia; hereditary spastic paraplegia type 73; spastic paraplegia 73, autosomal dominant

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Hereditary spastic paraplegia 73GARD ID 17763 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Hereditary spastic paraplegia 73.

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