Stiff Person’s Syndrome – Stiff Person’s Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system. The inflammation causes stiffness to the truck, limbs and other muscles in the body. Stiff Person Syndrome also causes increase sensitivity to various stimuli such as emotional distress, noise and touch. The sensitivity can lead to muscle spasms.
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff Person Syndrome Symptoms
- Pain
- Muscle Stiffness
- Aching Discomfort
- Muscle Spasms that are painful
SPECIALISTS
- Neurologist
BLOOD TESTS
- Patient History
- Clinical Evaluation
- Screening Tests to detect antibodies against GAD-65 and amphiphysin
- Electromyography (EMG)
MEDICATIONS
- IVig
- Anti-Anxiety Drugs
- Muscle Relaxants
- Anti-Convulsants
- Gabapentin
- Tiagabine
- Pain Relievers
- Diazepam
Treatment for Stiff Person Syndrome
People with SPS respond to high doses of diazepam and several anti-convulsants, gabapentin and tiagabine. A recent study funded by the NINDS demonstrated the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment in reducing stiffness and lowering sensitivity to noise, touch, and stress in people with SPS. (via NIH)
