Stiff Person Syndrome
By: Sara Cabe
Synonyms
- Moersch-Woltman Syndrome
- SMS
- SPS
- Stiff-Man Syndrome
General Description
SPS is a rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms.
Signs and Symptoms
Some signs of SPS are progressive, fluctuating muscular rigidity that occurs along with muscle spasms. The symptoms usually develop over a period of months and then remain stable for many years or slowly worsen.
Causes
The cause of SPS is unknown but some studies in the medical literature think that it may be an autoimmune disorder.
Affected Populations
SPS is a rare disorder. Approximately 1 in 1,000,000 individuals in the general population have SPS. There is a female predominance between the ages of 30-60. SPS affects individuals of any age and both genders.
Related Disorders
Tetanus, Paraneoplastic Stiff-Person Syndrome
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of SPS is made based on the identification of characteristic symptoms, a detailed patient history, and a clinical evaluation.
Standard Therapies
Treatments for SPS is directed toward the specific symptoms. Drugs known as diazepam are used to treat muscle stiffness and spasms.
Supporting Organizations
NORD Member Organizations
American Autoimmune & Related Diseases
Other Organizations
AutoImmunity Community
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center.
Living With Stiff Person Syndrome
Movement Disorder Society