Applicant:

PD Dr. Jan Kassubek - Oberarzt in der Neurologischen Universitätsklinik Ulm Universität Ulm, Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie Oberer Eselsberg 45    89081 Ulm   email: jan.kassubek@medizin.uni-ulm.de

A curative therapy for the hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is not known yet. Besides physiotherapy, there are only symptomatic approaches and antispastic medication (such as baclofen); however, the use of these drugs is often limited by intolerable side effects. 

Therefore and considering the positive effect of levodopa (L-dopa) in other disorders with the main symptom spasticity (e.g. spastic cerebral palsy), the present study was planned. The aim is to investigate if L-dopa is able to improve mobility and life quality by reducing spasticity in HSP.                                                                                                                               

Thirty patients with uncomplicated HSP are to be included. In a randomized and double-blind design, 15 patients will receive L-Dopa 3 times daily over a period of 60 days, the other 15 patients will receive a placebo. At the first two days of the study, at the 21^st and between the 58^th and 60^th day, there will be examinations at the Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, including detailed physical examinations according to a standardized protocol as a longitudinal comparison of the neurological symptoms. Furthermore, data of effects on life quality or potential adverse effects will be acquired to investigate the efficacy and safety of L-dopa.