IMPACTOS FÍSICO-FUNCIONAIS EM PACIENTES PORTADORES DO VÍRUS T- LINFOTRÓPICO HUMANO 1: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA.

Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (TSP) to human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is an insidious neurological inflammation which can occur from the 4th decade of life onward due to causes still unknown. HAM/TSP damages the spinal cord, leading to gradual sensory and motor losses. The aim of the present study was to investigate impairments on the functional and physical conditions of symptomatic patients with TSP and their impact on the quality of life of these patients. A descriptive literature review was conducted with defined criteria. The following results were obtained: walking ability was compromised, weakness, spasticity and lack of balance, with gradual loss of physical and functional conditions, which changed the quality of life of these patients. Despite research shortage, Physiotherapy has as a challenge the rehabilitation process, due to the degenerative prognostic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]