The ultimate goal of genetic testing is to learn the causes of HSP and hopefully develop treatments or even a cure.
Genetic testing is done to search for the locations of genes.
Also, testing is used in research to determine the genetic type of HSP occurring in a family. People with different genetic types of HSP can be studied to compare the symptoms between the different types. Identification of the gene locations, and study of the genes themselves, may allow scientists to design treatments that may eliminate, counteract, or compensate for the biochemical abnormality that causes the axon degeneration. Gene therapy, when a healthy gene is used to replace one that is missing or defective, is a possible treatment for HSP in the future once more is known about the specific HSP genes. There is also much scientific research being done on acute spinal cord injury and repair, and the growth factors needed to stimulate repair of injury and damage to the spinal cord.