User:Mr. Ibrahem/Stiff-person syndrome

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a neurologic disorder characterized by stiff muscles and spasms which worsen over time. It primarily affects the torso, arms, and legs. Spasms can be triggered by sound, touch, or emotions. Complications may include poor posture, bone fractures, chronic pain, and frequent falls.

In most cases the cause is unclear, though an autoimmune mechanism is believed to be involved. Many cases are associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes. Uncommonly it occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Diagnosis is often by finding very high levels of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the blood or cerebral spinal fluid. Electromyography may also be useful.

Symptoms may be treated with medications such as diazepam, baclofen, or gabapentin. Intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis may also help. It generally results in a poor quality of life, with depression or anxiety often occurring as a result. Life expectancy is reduced.

Stiff-person syndrome is rare, occurring in about one in a million people. Onset is most often between the ages of 20 and 60, though may uncommonly occur in children. Women are affected twice as often as men. The condition was first described in 1956 by Frederick Moersch and Henry Woltman.