brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
HTLV 1–Associated Myelopathy Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM TSP)
Diagnosis of HAM TSP
Assessment of the person's risk of being exposed Magnetic resonance imaging Tests to check for the virus in blood and cerebrospinal fluid The diagnosis of HTLV-1–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis is usually based on symptoms and the person’s risk of being exposed to the virus. Thus, a doctor may ask people about their sexual contacts and use of recreational injected drugs. Samples of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, obtained by a Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture), are tested for parts of the virus or antibodies to the virus. (Antibodies are produced by the immune system to defend against a particular attacker, such as HTLV-1.) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord is done to check for abnormalities such as degeneration of the spinal cord and to check for other possible causes of the symptoms. 