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Stiff person syndrome (SPS)
Stiff-person syndrome 2
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff-Person Syndrome Information


Stiff person syndrome (SPS)
(SPS) is a rare neurologic disorder of unclear etiology characterized by progressive rigidity and stiffness. The stiffness primarily affects the truncal muscles and is superimposed by spasms, resulting in postural deformities. Chronic pain, impaired mobility, and lumbar hyperlordosis are common symptoms. The exact mechanism of the condition is unclear.

SPS occurs in about one in a million people and is most commonly found in middle-aged people. A small minority of patients have the paraneoplastic variety of the condition. Variants of the condition, such as stiff-limb syndrome which primarily affects a specific limb, are often seen.

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Stiff-person syndrome 2

Stiff-person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by stiffness of skeletal muscles with superimposed spasms. The syndrome is a putative autoimmune disease occurring as an idiopathic or paraneoplastic condition. It is often associated with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) or, less commonly, to the 128 kD synaptic protein later amphiphysin (AMPH) and few other auto antigens.

Presence of superimposed painful spasm, often precipitated by external stimuli (auditory stimulation like hand clapping)
Normal sensation, no paresis
An EMG finding of continuous motor unit activity (CMUA) at rest
Response to benzodiazepines including clinical response and reduction on CMUA
High levels of GAD antibodies
Other features: Less frequently, stiff-person syndrome is associated with antibodies to the 128 kDa synaptic protein amphiphysin. It is then a paraneoplastic condition, most often occurring with breast cancer. The pathogenic role of the antibodies directed against the 128 kDa synaptic protein amphiphysin has been shown by transmission of disease symptoms by passive transfer to rats. One case of stiff-person syndrome associated with antibodies to the synaptic protein gephyrin has been described.

Go to: Stiff-person syndrome

Source:  Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology


What is Stiff Person Syndrome?

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare disease of the nervous system. Progressively severe muscle stiffness typically develops in the spine and lower extremities; often beginning very subtly during a period of emotional stress. Most patients experience painful episodic muscle spasms that are triggered by sudden stimuli. An auto-immune component is typical and patients often have other auto-immune disorders. Symptoms usually begin in the mid-forties.

SPS is extremely rare. Although it is not possible to determine the exact prevalence, it may occur in fewer that 1 per million. The disease is more common in women (the ratio is 2 women for every man affected). There is no predilection for any race or ethnic group. There is an association with diabetes and perhaps over half of patients with SPS have or will develop diabetes. Other autoimmune diseases have been found in association with SPS, for example: thyroid disease and vitiligo. There is an increased incidence of epilepsy. An important but especially rare variant of SPS is associated with breast or lung cancer. Characterized by the production of antibodies to amphiphysin, this variant of SPS has certain features that distinguish it from the more typical SPS with GAD antibodies.
 

Go to: Neurology and Neurosurgery


Stiff-Person Syndrome Information

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease.  SPS 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 SPS 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.  SPS affects twice as many women as men.

Go to: nih.gov