HSAN1, previously known as HSN1, stands for Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type 1.  HSAN1 is a little-known, peripheral neuropathy characterized by severe sensory loss (ie. temperature, pressure, pain) starting in the extremities, usually in the feet first.  This sensory loss often leads to:

• Painless injuries
• Chronic skin ulcers that have difficulty healing
• Progressive destruction of underlying bones
• Bone infections
• Chronic shooting pains in the extremities
• Muscle wasting
• Amputation of fingers or toes
• Eventual motor impairment

HSAN1 is a dominantly inherited disease, meaning that a child of an affected parent has a 50/50 chance of also getting the disease. HSAN1 is an adult onset disease, with symptoms typically becoming present by the late teens or second decade of life.  Although HSAN1 is not a terminal disease, it is a progressively debilitating disease, and many affected patients often require surgeries or the use of walking aids, such as canes, braces, or wheelchairs.

Simplified PowerPoint About HSAN1 (by Tami Newcomer Murphy)