Stiff-Person Syndrome
What is Stiff-Person syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of
an autoimmune disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of Stiff-Person syndrome?
Stiff-Person syndrome is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in
the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise,
touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms. Abnormal
postures, often hunched over and stiffened, are characteristic of the disorder.
People with Stiff-Person syndrome can be too disabled to walk or move, or they are afraid to leave
the house because street noises, such as the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms
and falls.
Who is affected by, and what causes Stiff-Person syndrome?
Stiff-Person syndrome affects twice as many women as men. It is frequently associated
with other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, thyroiditis, vitiligo, and
pernicious anemia. Scientists don't yet understand what causes Stiff-Person
syndrome, but research
indicates that it is the result of an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain
and spinal cord.
How is Stiff-Person syndrome diagnosed?
The disorder is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease,
multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness, or anxiety and phobia.
A definitive diagnosis can be made with a blood test that measures the level of
glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies in the blood. People with
Stiff-Person syndrome have
elevated levels of GAD, an antibody that works against an enzyme involved in the
synthesis of an important neurotransmitter in the brain.
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Stiff-Person Syndrome - Symptoms
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Stiff-Person Syndrome - Diagnosis
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Stiff-Person Syndrome - Treatment
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