Disease Information for Stiff-man syndrome

A condition characterized by persistent spasms (SPASM) involving multiple muscles, primarily in the lower limbs and trunk; The illness tends to occur in the fourth to sixth decade of life, presenting with intermittent spasms that become continuous; Minor sensory stimuli, such as noise and light touch, precipitate severe spasms; Spasms do not occur during sleep and only rarely involve cranial muscles; Respiration may become impaired in advance cases; (Adams et al, Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1492; Neurology 1998 Jul;51(1):85-93)--------------------------------------------------Stiff-man syndrome is characterized by the insidious onset of progressive stiffness in the trunk and abdomen and, to a lesser degree, in the legs and arms; Patients are otherwise normal, and examination detects only muscle hypertrophy and stiffness; Electromyography shows only the electrical activity of normal contraction; The syndrome may be autoimmune; autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase have been found; Only symptomatic therapy is available; Diazepam is the only drug that consistently relieves muscle stiffness; Results of plasmapheresis are conflicting--------[Merck Manual 17th]--------------------

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