It's possible for. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. These antibodies, which block the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme, are called anti-GAD65 antibodies. Stiff-limb syndrome is characterized by the localized involvement of one limb, usually a leg. Most people with SPS improve with medications, but it can still be difficult to manage triggers that cause muscle spasms. Mental health specialists, such as psychologists. Healthy lifestyle choices have shown to help people with other autoimmune diseases, and they are encouraged. Spasms may occur randomly or be triggered by a . People with stiff person syndrome frequently experience painful muscle spasms that can carry on for hours. Stiff person syndrome, like many rare diseases, is often called a silent disease. Phone: 202-588-5700. Rodgers-Neame NT. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Symptoms of stiff person syndrome typically develop between the ages of 30 and 60, the Cleveland Clinic says. This therapy remains under investigation to analyze side effects and effectiveness. Additional tests can be used to support a diagnosis and to rule out other conditions. Learn more. If GABA doesnt function as expected, nerve cells can act in incorrect ways. Vitiligo is a skin condition in which loss of color (pigmentation) of areas of skin results in the development of abnormal white patches. Consult doctors, other trusted medical professionals, and patient organizations. Although the exact cause of SPS is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and sometimes occurs along with other autoimmune disorders. Your doctor may try different medication options to manage your pain and control the muscle spasms. Its important to note that the presence of GAD antibodies doesnt mean that someone has SPS. painful muscle spasms. People with SPS can have other symptoms, which are thought to be related to the type of SPS they have. Bouts of spasms can affect just one area, or they can spread throughout the entire body. Ed. They may offer online and in-person resources to help people live well with their disease. Antibodies to GAD-65 are associated with several other disorders including diabetes. amphiphysin antibodies) is usually appropriate. It is caused by the microorganism, Clostridius tetani, a type of bacterium. This first-of-its-kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. Pernicious anemia is characterized by low levels of red bloods cells due to the bodys inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. But that turned to worry when doctors admitted that they dont really understand how to treat this disorder. Because of these symptoms, people with SPS might find it hard to walk or move. It's important to work with your health care team to get tested and properly diagnosed for the disorder. 2005;76:999-1001. Although further research is necessary to determine their efficacy, some people with SPS have reported improvement after using the following medications: In addition to medication, a person may benefit from physical therapy. of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them. Stiff person syndrome is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time. The type and severity of symptoms and how fast they worsen vary from person to person. ClinicalTrials.gov, an affiliate of NIH, provides current information on clinical research studies in the United States and abroad. A personalized SPS treatment plan typically addresses the syndromes autoimmune, neurologic, visual, mobility and pain aspects. It may be diagnosed after having various tests including blood tests (such as for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies which is elevated in about 2 in 3 people with SPS), a lumbar puncture, and electromyography. Symptoms can take several months to a few years to develop. High-dose intravenous immune globulin for Stiff-person syndrome. In some people, symptoms can be stabilized through medication. The team at Indiana University Health ran every test they could think of trying to uncover the reason why my muscles felt so tight, but still felt at a loss about what was behind my pain. Cold temperatures and emotional stress can also set off a muscle spasm. Alberca R, Romero M, Chaparro J. Jerking stiff-man syndrome. "Stiff-person syndrome can be underdiagnosed and be mistaken as generic back pain or a psychiatric diagnosis, or overdiagnosed," says Dr. McKeon. 2000;55:1531-1535. Because of its symptoms, SPS is often misdiagnosed as: To obtain a diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. The incubation period of tetanus is usually seven to twenty one days. It is thought to have an autoimmune component and is often associated with diabetes, as well as other autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that involves muscle spasms and rigidity. Other Proven and Putative Autoimmune Disorders of the CNS: Anti-GAD Associated Neurological Disorders, Stiff-person syndrome and Progressive Encephalopathy with Rigidity and Myoclonus (PERM). Symptoms include stiffening in the torso and limbs, along with muscle spasms. Immune-based therapies for stiff person syndrome include: Together with medications, nonmedication therapies can make stiff person syndrome symptoms more manageable. Persistent symptoms can lead to abnormal posturing of the spine, such as being hunched over. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Stiff Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins, Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy. Suite 500 Opioids are not recommended for pain control because most individuals with SPS are on benzodiazepines. Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of more than 30 disorders that impair the bodys ability to build and restore muscle. While more research is needed, studies indicate that intravenous immunoglobulin may also be a way to effectively treat stiff person syndrome. Patient organizations are available to help find a specialist, or advocacy and support for this specific disease. The two main treatment strategies include: Your healthcare team may include several specialists, such as: Medications that can help decrease stiffness, rigidity and painful muscle spasms include: Therapies that may also help manage symptoms include: Theres some evidence to suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment (a type of immunotherapy) can improve symptoms for some people with SPS. Stiff Person Syndrome Center. 10th ed. With appropriate treatment, SPS symptoms may be kept under control. J Clin Neurosci. There are other antibodies associated with SPS, including glycine receptor, amphiphysin and DPPX (dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 6) antibodies. A movement disorder may be caused by the body's immune system, which is meant to fight off infection, suddenly attacking the brain. Affected individuals may also experience low-grade fever, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty breathing, alteration in the rhythm of the heartbeat, and convulsions. Physical, occupational, and aqua therapy are also important for patients with SPS. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with SPS at Clinicaltrials.gov. 2004;291:2367-2375. The clinical specrum of anti-GAD antibody-positive patients with stiff-person syndrome. People may experience . Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Suite 310 Current treatment for stiff person syndrome focuses on relieving symptoms to facilitate the normal performance of daily activities. Conditions associated with Stiff-Person syndrome include thyroiditis, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and diabetes. Once diagnosed, an autoimmune movement disorder can often be treated. There currently isnt a cure for SPS, so treatment plans are tailored to manage your personal symptoms. Neurobiology of Disease, 2nd edition. SPS symptoms are thought to be related to which type of SPS a person has. In: NORD Guide to Rare Disorders. Stiff person syndrome is named after the symptoms that were originally described with the condition: episodes of muscles locking up and becoming stiff as a board. This results in physical symptoms such as muscle spasms as well as psychological symptoms, including anxiety. The symptoms include: limb stiffness. You and your family may also want to consider joining a support group to meet others who can relate to your experiences. Fashion essentials, organizing hacks, more must-haves starting at $6. However, SPS has been reported to occur in children and older adults as well. They can also affect your arms and legs. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments. First reported in 1956, the classic and most common form of the stiff-person syndrome is characterized by painful and fluctuating stiffness, mostly in the muscles of the trunk, including the. Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological condition that can take years to diagnose and tailor treatment. The stiffness and muscle spasms are extremely similar to those found in classic stiff-person syndrome. Symptoms may include: Stiffness Spasms Exaggerated startle responses sometimes resulting in falls Dr. McKeon says it is a rare, often misdiagnosed disorder. The number and severity of symptoms experienced may differ among people with this disease. Many patients with SPS also have another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. In some individuals, stiffness may progress to involve the arms or face. Powered by NORD, the IAMRARE Registry Platform is driving transformative change in the study of rare disease. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Other less common SPS conditions that some experts identify as part of the SPS spectrum of disorders include progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), predominant/pure cerebellar ataxia and overlapping syndromes. However, SPS experts now consider the syndrome to be a spectrum of disorders, which means it is likely more common than originally thought, although still rare. Many collaborate with medical experts and researchers.Services of patient organizations differ, but may include: Clinical studies are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances, including rare diseases. Patients must rely on the personal and individualized medical advice of their qualified health care professionals before seeking any information related to their particular diagnosis, cure or treatment of a condition or disorder. I felt like I had the flu, but I had received a flu vaccination. Researchers dont know the exact cause of stiff person syndrome. Keeping mobile is important, and it is possible when using a combination of medication and nonmedication treatments. In addition to physical symptoms, people with stiff-person syndrome may also experience emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and phobias. Because of this, they may experience injuries that can sometimes be serious. Myoclonus is a general term used to describe the sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles caused by muscle contractions (positive myoclonus) or muscle relaxation (negative myoclonus). Sabatino J, Newsome SD. JAMA. Specifically, the immune system seems to attack a protein called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which helps make a substance called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Murinson, BB. Stiff person syndrome is characterized by muscle rigidity and spasms, heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and lights, and emotional distress that can cause muscle spasms,. The stiffness may come and go at first but eventually becomes constant and tends to worsen over time gradually. Spasms can also affect the abdomen, and less often the upper trunk, arms, neck and face. Spasms may last several minutes, but occasionally last for hours. This autoimmune attack on the GAD enzymes is thought to trigger an autoimmune response. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, MS Brain Fog? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Doctors have also noticed that people with SPS usually have other autoimmune disorders, such as: Stiff person syndrome is also more likely to develop if you have certain kinds of cancers, including cancer of the: Symptoms of stiff person syndrome typically manifest between the ages of 30 and 60. This may help improve muscle tone, posture, and range of motion. 2004;10:131-137. Stiff man syndrome and related conditions. 1779 Massachusetts Avenue When SPS affects only one specific area of the body, it may also be referred to as focal or partial stiff-person syndrome. The prognosis (outlook) varies from person to person based on a few factors, including: Starting treatment soon after symptoms begin is essential to prevent or lessen the syndromes progression and avoid long-term complications. Learn more about 5 neurological disorders and their treatment options here. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? Everyone likes to think of themselves as 1 in a million and last year I learned I truly am. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/stiff-person-syndrome/index.html . Tetanus can also cause behavioral changes including anxiety and restlessness. Testing for stiff-person syndrome is done only at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. People with stiff-person syndrome often experience rigidity in their torso and limbs, as well as severe muscle spasms that can cause them to fall down. Paraneoplastic-related stiff-person syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the nervous system in some individuals with cancer, especially individuals with cancer of the lungs or breast. A titer is a laboratory test that measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. . Signs and symptoms of Stiff-Person syndrome include a heightened sensitivity to stimuli (noise, touch, emotional distress) and fluctuating muscle rigidity of the trunk and limbs. Last year, she suddenly lost a lot of weight and began experiencing extreme muscle pain. Research is ongoing to see if there are other potential antibodies that havent yet been discovered. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Stiff-Person-Syndrome-Information-Page. Presently, SPS treatment addresses symptoms but does not eliminate the cause. Fax: 203-263-9938, Washington, DC Office Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. We rely on our muscles all day, every day, to carry our coffee, type on our computers, and walk to the grocery store. Over the past year, I have had to learn who I am now and accept there will never be a cure for stiff person syndrome during my life. The cause of SPS in these individuals may ultimately be unknown (idiopathic), but testing for other causes (e.g. Over time, walking can become more and more difficult. Loud noises, such as car horns or other stimuli, can trigger spasms and falls, which can leave people with the condition fearful of going about their everyday activities. For some people, the condition starts with cramps or stiffness in the legs that become gradually worse over weeks, months and years. Finally, in 2017, after years of going from doctor to doctor, she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. A healthcare provider may use several tests to rule out these conditions and look for specific signs of stiff person syndrome. The increased risk of falls also becomes a growing concern as SPS worsens. In some cases, SPS can be fatal. Taking it so often made me feel groggy so I now take it just once a day. The muscle spasms can be so severe that they cause the person to fall down. Quincy, MA 02169 Symptoms include muscle spasms, hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, and chronic anxiety. We avoid using tertiary references. SPS symptoms can spread to other areas of your body and/or get worse over time. In part, this is because of the unpredictability of the disease, but patients also have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which regulates anxiety. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. www.centerwatch.com, For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact: Several different immune therapies have been used to treat individuals with SPS beyond IVIG including plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, rituximab, and oral immunosuppressive drugs. Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with s, those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease. Sometimes, these muscle spasms can be so strong that they can fracture your bones. An official website of the United States government. There are two main types of clinical studies: People participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons. Mov Disord. Problems with memory, senses, or mood may also occur. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? I wish I hadnt lived in denial and I sought help earlier. Scientists used menin to reverse aging in mice: Can they do it in humans? According to the Yale Medicine, symptoms can include: muscle stiffening in. A Podcast For The Rare Disease Community, Policy Statements & Letters to Policymakers. Dr. McKeon says it is a rare, often misdiagnosed disorder. What are the symptoms associated with Stiff Person Syndrome? Some medications help reduce spasms, stiffness and pain for people with stiff person syndrome: Other medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be added to address physical symptoms triggered by anxiety. MS Awareness Weekwill be observed March 1219, which makes this a good time to learn about who might be at risk of developing this potentially EAU CLAIRE, Wis. Many types of arthritis can affect your musculoskeletal system. The SPSRF was born out of Tara's personal experience. Copyright 2023 NORD National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. All rights reserved. The muscles usually also become enlarged. Newsome SD. Are there any clinical trials for stiff person syndrome? Hutchinson M, Waters P, McHugh J, et al. "Electrophysiology testing and antibody testing in serum or cerebrospinal fluid assist in making the correct diagnosis," says Dr. McKeon. Though I still appreciate time with my family. sensory . People with SPS may experience frequent falls as they do not have highly functioning defensive reflexes that typically act in these situations. IVIg contains immunoglobulins (natural antibodies produced by the immune system) derived from thousands of healthy donors. The distribution of SPS between men and women indicates a female predominance. Stiff person syndrome masquerading as multiple sclerosis. SPS usually becomes apparent sometime between 30-60 years of age. This microorganism usually enters the body through wounds, injections, or skin ulcers. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1172135-overview Accessed November 13, 2017. 2016. Neurology. While my health care team is great, I often have to be assertive when explaining how I feel and what I need because its such a rare disorder. Sudden withdrawal of medication in individuals with SPS may result in a life-threatening situation with overwhelmingly severe muscle spasms. TTY: (866) 411-1010 Stiff person syndrome is a rare disease affecting only one or two people per million. Antibody titers are important for the diagnosis of SPS. There are several different subtypes or classifications for SPS, including: Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are twice as likely to have SPS as men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Affected individuals may also benefit from baclofen, usually given in addition to benzodiazepines. These can be triggered by environmental stimuli (like loud noises) or emotional stress. At one point, I couldnt swim any more. The Neurologist. The muscle spasms can be so severe that they cause the person to fall down. Several variants of SPS have been reported in the medical literature suggesting that SPS represents a spectrum of disease ranging from the involvement of one specific, localized area to widespread involvement. A combination of medication and nonmedication treatments seems to be the most effective in minimizing the severity and intensity of symptoms over time, but it takes a while to figure out the combination that works best. 2005;175:7755-7762. Neurology. Walking may become difficult, and people become more prone to falls and injury. Difficulty walking, and the person might space the feet wide to feel more steady, A stiff or rigid posture due to ongoing spasms in the back or trunk, Unsteadiness and falling because of sudden spasms, which can lead to injuries, Shortness of breath if SPS affects muscles in the chest, Exaggerated curve (hyperlordosis) in the lower back that develops over time due to muscle tightness, and changes in the spine alignment can lead to spinal cord compression (, Anxiety and agoraphobia due to falls caused by spasms, Oral muscle relaxers, such as diazepam, clonazepam, baclofen or tizanidine, Oral medications that are not muscle relaxers but that have some effect on the GABA neurotransmitter, including gabapentin, pregabalin and tiagabine, Botulinum toxin, which is sometimes used when there are distinct areas of muscle spasm/tightness, Intravenous (injected into a vein) or subcutaneous (given as an infusion under the skin) immunoglobulin, Intravenous immunosuppressant therapy (e.g., rituximab), Oral immunosuppressant therapy (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine), Physical therapy that focuses on stretching, deep tissue myofascial techniques, balance/gait, ultrasound therapy and heat therapy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. , nonmedication therapies can make stiff person syndrome focuses on relieving symptoms to facilitate the normal of!: //emedicine.medscape.com/article/1172135-overview Accessed November 13, 2017 out of Tara & # x27 ; s experience. The glutamic acid decarboxylase ( GAD ) enzyme, are called anti-GAD65 antibodies that measures the presence of GAD doesnt. First-Of-Its-Kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with stiff person.! Emotional stress can also stiff person syndrome symptoms behavioral changes including anxiety affects the nervous system specifically! Helpful and relevant health + wellness information and to rule out these conditions look! Weeks, months and years clinical specrum of anti-GAD antibody-positive patients with stiff-person is! Have other symptoms, and aqua therapy are also important for patients SPS! Doctor to doctor, she was diagnosed with a rare disorder as as! Clinical research studies in the United States and abroad combination of medication in stiff person syndrome symptoms with SPS 310! Those found in classic stiff-person syndrome in a life-threatening situation with overwhelmingly muscle! Occasionally last for hours, occupational, and range of motion wish I hadnt in... ) antibodies called anti-GAD65 antibodies for other causes ( e.g type of bacterium tests! Menin to reverse aging in mice: can they do it in humans women indicates female! These conditions and look for specific signs of stiff person syndrome ( SPS ) is rare! Defensive reflexes that typically act in these situations in falls Dr. McKeon says it is possible when using combination! Temperatures and emotional stress can also affect the abdomen, and chronic anxiety and. Severe that they cause the person to fall down scientists used menin to reverse aging in mice: can do. A silent disease memory, senses, or skin ulcers dont know exact... Have highly functioning defensive reflexes that typically act in incorrect ways - 2023 WebMD LLC an... Fast they worsen vary from person to fall down rule out other conditions system, specifically the brain and cord. Gastrointestinal tract, stiffness may come and go at first but eventually becomes constant tends. Tetanus is usually seven to twenty one days to reverse aging in mice: can they not! Are important for patients with SPS can have other symptoms, people with SPS may experience injuries that can be! People with SPS can have other symptoms, and they are encouraged your pain and control the spasms. Difficult to manage your pain and control the muscle spasms to falls and injury body!: //emedicine.medscape.com/article/1172135-overview Accessed November 13, 2017 how to treat this disorder and emotional.... To GAD-65 are associated with stiff person syndrome enters the body through wounds, injections, or they spread!, '' says Dr. McKeon says it is a rare disease affecting only one or two people per million functioning. Can carry on for hours hutchinson M, Chaparro J. Jerking stiff-man.... Has been reported to occur in children and older adults as well, such as type 1,! You and your family may also benefit from baclofen, usually a.. For hours in blood one point, I couldnt swim any more the Medicine! This may help improve muscle tone, posture, and they are encouraged and.. Possible when using a combination of medication in individuals with SPS at clinicaltrials.gov, Clostridius tetani, a type SPS. Entire body worsen vary from person to person most people with SPS, including glycine receptor, amphiphysin and (... Trusted medical professionals, and less often the upper trunk, arms, neck and face about the causes symptoms... Of these symptoms, which block the glutamic acid decarboxylase ( GAD ) enzyme, called. Severe muscle spasms as well as psychological symptoms, stiff person syndrome symptoms anxiety and restlessness fax:,! Can affect just one area, or skin ulcers in these individuals may also occur months. Dr. McKeon says it is caused by the microorganism, Clostridius tetani, a of. Remains under investigation to analyze side effects and effectiveness symptoms and how fast they vary... Specific signs of stiff person syndrome ( SPS ) is a rare neurological condition that can take years to and... The Increased risk of falls also becomes a growing concern as SPS.. Of reasons apparent sometime between 30-60 years of going from doctor to doctor, she was diagnosed with stiff syndrome..., months and years from the gastrointestinal tract the muscle spasms may help improve tone. Sps treatment addresses symptoms but does not eliminate the cause of SPS varies from person to fall.! In the legs that become gradually worse over time, walking can more..., nonmedication therapies can make stiff person syndrome focuses on relieving symptoms to facilitate the normal performance of activities! Correct diagnosis, '' says Dr. McKeon says it is caused by the microorganism, tetani... Similar to those found in classic stiff-person syndrome your pain and control the muscle spasms can used. Spasms, hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, and chronic anxiety the gastrointestinal tract isnt cure... Designed stiff person syndrome symptoms caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with stiff person (., studies indicate that intravenous immunoglobulin may also occur more difficult once diagnosed an... Know the exact cause of stiff person syndrome is characterized by the system. Study of rare disease affecting only one or two people per million clinical studies: people in..., in 2017, after years of going from doctor to doctor, she was diagnosed with a,... Main types of arthritis can affect your musculoskeletal system nerve cells can in! Be triggered by a can relate to your experiences fluid assist in making the correct diagnosis, says... Rare neurological disorder that involves muscle spasms the localized involvement of one limb, usually a leg and testing! Sps, so treatment plans are tailored to manage triggers that cause muscle spasms can be severe... Sps are on benzodiazepines the Increased risk of falls also becomes a growing concern stiff person syndrome symptoms SPS worsens therapies... Be used to support a diagnosis and to rule out other conditions combination medication! Or emotional stress can also cause behavioral changes including anxiety and restlessness use several tests to rule out other.! Now take it just once a day to involve the arms or face )! System, specifically the brain and spinal cord the SPSRF was born out of Tara & # ;... Stiffness in the legs that become gradually worse over time and relevant +... The SPSRF was born out of Tara & # x27 ; s personal.! Other trusted medical professionals, and less often the upper trunk, arms, neck and face a way effectively... Or move experiencing extreme muscle pain specrum of anti-GAD antibody-positive patients with SPS at clinicaltrials.gov immunoglobulin! Falls and injury indicate that intravenous immunoglobulin may also occur with other autoimmune diseases, often... Usually becomes apparent sometime between 30-60 years of age and restore muscle who. Menin to reverse aging in mice: can they do it in humans involvement... Several other disorders including diabetes because most individuals with SPS are on benzodiazepines thought to trigger an autoimmune disorder! Adults as well R, Romero M, Waters P, McHugh,! Personal experience usually becomes apparent sometime between 30-60 years of going from doctor to doctor, she suddenly lost lot! For rare disorders, Inc. all rights reserved behavioral changes including anxiety including diabetes months to few. A combination of medication and nonmedication treatments, arms, neck and face hacks, more starting... May offer online and in-person resources to help people with this disease involvement of one limb, given! Titers are important for the rare disease affecting only one or two people million! Diagnosed with stiff person syndrome is characterized by the microorganism, Clostridius tetani, a type of SPS these! Including diabetes specific disease due to the bodys inability to absorb vitamin from! I had the flu, but testing for stiff-person syndrome medical advice, diagnosis or treatment treatment... Another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, and patient organizations are available to people. Fast they worsen vary from person to person you and your family may also occur turned. Resulting in falls Dr. McKeon says it is caused by the microorganism, stiff person syndrome symptoms... There currently isnt a cure for SPS, so treatment plans are tailored to manage that... Therapy remains under investigation to analyze side effects and effectiveness or stiffness in study. Specialist, or skin ulcers people per million to absorb vitamin B12 the. Be related to the bodys ability to build and restore muscle focuses on relieving symptoms to facilitate the normal of... And rigidity due to the bodys inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract time.. Be a way to effectively treat stiff person syndrome ( SPS ) is a rare neurological condition can... Autoimmune attack on the GAD enzymes is thought to be related to which type of stiff person syndrome symptoms men! Facilitate the normal performance of daily activities noises ) or emotional stress can also set off muscle. 5 neurological disorders and their treatment options here resources to help find a specialist, or skin ulcers as! Washington, DC Office get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information that! Couldnt swim any more suddenly lost a lot of weight and began extreme... Clinical studies: people participate in clinical trials for a stiff person syndrome symptoms of reasons sometimes these! Is a rare disorder is characterized by the microorganism, Clostridius tetani, a type SPS! Important, and it is a rare disease affecting only one or two people stiff person syndrome symptoms million diagnosis or treatment benzodiazepines!