Living with Neuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic, type 1A
A genetic nervous system condition that causes loss of feeling in the hands and feet and muscle weakness, usually in adulthood.
Understanding Neuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic, type 1A
It can cause problems with feeling sensations and controlling automatic body functions. Most people develop symptoms in adulthood, with muscle weakness and gradual loss of feeling in the hands and feet. This can lead to complications such as foot sores (ulcers) and bone infections. In some cases symptoms are more severe and start in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Loss of touch sensation in the hands and feet
- Weakness in the hands and feet
- Sores on the feet (ulcers)
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Frequent falls
- Reduced or absent reflexes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- 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 The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- 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
Quick facts
HSAN1A is caused by changes in the SPTLC1 gene. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.
Also known as: hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 caused by mutation in sptlc1; hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type ia; hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type ia; hereditary sensory neuropathy type ia; hsan ia; hsan1a
Patient organizations
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyNeuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic, type 1A · United States
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