61. Stiff Person Syndrome Links to information and resources for Stiff Person syndrome, also known as Stiffmansyndrome or Moersch-Woltmann syndrome. Stiff Person syndrome Guide picks. http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/stiffpersonsynd/

zfp=-1 About Rare/Orphan Diseases Search in this topic on About on the Web in Products Web Hosting Rare/Orphan Diseases with Mary Kugler Your Guide to one of hundreds of sites Home Articles Forums ... Help zmhp('style="color:#fff"') Subjects BUYER'S GUIDE Before You Buy Top Picks Sites for Online Specialty Shopping ... All articles on this topic Stay up-to-date! Subscribe to our newsletter. Advertising Free Credit Report Free Psychics Advertisement Stiff Person Syndrome Guide picks A progressive neurological disorder, also known as Moersch-Woltmann syndrome, having persistent stiffness (rigidity) and spasms of certain muscles. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. AARDA: Stiff-Man Syndrome Information from the American Autoimmune and Related Disorders Association. Can also order additional information. The Doctor's Medical Library Information by Ron Kennedy, MD. Health Living Network Ltd. (U.K.) Information from Peter Brown, MD, FRCP. KSL-TV: Stiff Man's Syndrome Short article by KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, Utah, on a local resident with Stiff Person Syndrome, dated May 26, 1999. NINDS: Stiff-Person Syndrome Information Information sheet from the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (U.S.).

62. Neurological Disorders - Page 2 Of 2 Stiff Person syndrome A progressive neurological disorder, also known as MoerschWoltmannsyndrome, having persistent stiffness (rigidity) and spasms of http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/neurodisorders/index_2.htm

zfp=-1 About Rare/Orphan Diseases Search in this topic on About on the Web in Products Web Hosting Rare/Orphan Diseases with Mary Kugler Your Guide to one of hundreds of sites Home Articles Forums ... Help zmhp('style="color:#fff"') Subjects BUYER'S GUIDE Before You Buy Top Picks Sites for Online Specialty Shopping ... All articles on this topic Stay up-to-date! Subscribe to our newsletter. Advertising Free Credit Report Free Psychics Advertisement Neurological Disorders Guide picks Previous Multiple Sclerosis A chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system with effects ranging from mild numbness in the limbs to severe paralysis. Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder in which a person has recurrent, uncontrollable, brief episodes of sleep. Find links here to information and support for the disorder. Neurofibromatosis A genetic disorder that causes people to develop tumors of the nervous system. Parry Romberg Syndrome A disorder characterized by slowly progressive wasting of the soft tissues of the face, seizures, and severe face pain. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type I is a complication of shingles. Type II is a seizure disorder.

63. Stiff Person Syndrome And Myasthenia Gravis - J. Paul, Zaheer Sayeed, - Neurolog Stiff Person syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis PK Saravanan, J. Paul, ZaheerAhmed Sayeed. Keywords Stiff person syndrome, Myasthenia gravis. http://www.neurologyindia.com/vol50-1/1562ab.php

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA Neurology India Volume 50 Issue 1 - March 2002 SHORT REPORTS VOL50-1 Stiff Person Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis P. K. Saravanan, J. Paul, Zaheer Ahmed Sayeed Keywords : Stiff person syndrome, Myasthenia gravis. Summary : Association of stiff person syndrome, an immune related disorder of anterior horn cells and myasthenia gravis an endplate disorder with similar pathogenesis, is rare. This communication documents this association in the Indian literature for the first time. Full Article Full Articles are available in .pdf format. To view these, you require Acrobat Reader Instructions to Authors Editor : S.Prabhakar neuroind@neurologyindia.com Neurology India Editorial Office for Volume 50 Issue 1 - March 2002 This is a Dynamic Site - PAGES GENERATED ON DEMAND - Developed by CPINDIA

64. NORD - National Organization For Rare Disorders, Inc. News Briefs. Dramatic Results Reported in Stiff Person syndrome Study.On Dec. 27, 2001, The New England Journal of Medicine reported http://www.rarediseases.org/news/stiff

Search NORD's Databases NORD maintains three searchable databases and an alphabetical index of disease names. Index of Rare Diseases The A-to-Z of Rare Diseases Rare Disease Database Read about more than 1,100 rare diseases. View sample report Organizational Database Find a support group or other source of help. Orphan Drug Designation Database Find out about new and experimental orphan products. Database Subscriptions Subscriptions provide complete access to NORD's databases at libraries, schools, universities, and hospitals. NORD's Washington Office Check here to read about events on Capitol Hill, funding for rare-disease research, and other topics of interest from NORD's office in Washington, DC. News Briefs Dramatic Results Reported in Stiff Person Syndrome Study On Dec. 27, 2001, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has brought dramatic relief from symptoms to patients with the rare disorder known as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). The authors believe their research supports the theory that SPS results from an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain and spinal cord of the person with this ailment. SPS is an extremely rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive stiffness and spasms of certain muscles in the trunk and limbs. It sometimes begins with intermittent episodes, often precipitated by surprise or minor physical contact. The incidence of Stiff Person Syndrome (formerly known as Stiffman's Disease) has been estimated at one in a million.

65. NORD - National Organization For Rare Disorders, Inc. Stiff Person syndrome. To purchase fulltext report ($7.50) Copyright 1987, 1989,1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Synonyms of Stiff Person syndrome http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Stiff Person

66. I Have SPS - Stiff Person Syndrome - SMS - From Jodi (24158-2-32.mazo.wi.charter.com) Subject I have SPS - StiffPerson syndrome - SMS - Date February 7, 2003 at 1128 am PST. http://www.vegsource.com/talk/health/messages/14429.html

VegSource Conference Video Tapes! Available now the learning experience that will change your life! A gift for you, your loved ones, anyone wanting to know why and how to live a healthier, more compassionate life! Dean Ornish, John Robbins and many others! Details Follow Ups Post Followup Back to Discussion Board ... VegSource Other Discussion Boards The Pub Recipes w/Chef Deb Weightloss w/McDougall Veganism w/Joanne Pressure Cooking VegScience w/Campbell Heart Probs w/Pinckney Diabetes Naturopathy New Veggies w/Bryanna Dairy-free w/Lanou Soy Talk w/Oser Get Fit w/Vedral EarthSave Intl. Sugar Free Veg News Fit Folks Raw Foods Pen Pals VegSingles Veg Youth Veg Events Living Green Pacifism Veg Awakenings Veg Orgs HomeSchooling Flame Room Smoker's Support Relationships Rap Animal Concerns BioSpirituality Books/Movies Gardening Humor Parenting Women's Issues Men's Issues Star Trek Activism Tech Support From: Jodi (24-158-2-32.mazo.wi.charter.com)

67. Re: I Have SPS - Stiff Person Syndrome - SMS - From Eric (4.42.201.120) Subject Re I have SPS Stiff Person syndrome- SMS - Date February 7, 2003 at 1158 am PST. In Reply http://www.vegsource.com/talk/health/messages/14430.html

VegSource Conference Video Tapes! Available now the learning experience that will change your life! A gift for you, your loved ones, anyone wanting to know why and how to live a healthier, more compassionate life! Dean Ornish, John Robbins and many others! Details Follow Ups Post Followup Back to Discussion Board ... VegSource Other Discussion Boards The Pub Recipes w/Chef Deb Weightloss w/McDougall Veganism w/Joanne Pressure Cooking VegScience w/Campbell Heart Probs w/Pinckney Diabetes Naturopathy New Veggies w/Bryanna Dairy-free w/Lanou Soy Talk w/Oser Get Fit w/Vedral EarthSave Intl. Sugar Free Veg News Fit Folks Raw Foods Pen Pals VegSingles Veg Youth Veg Events Living Green Pacifism Veg Awakenings Veg Orgs HomeSchooling Flame Room Smoker's Support Relationships Rap Animal Concerns BioSpirituality Books/Movies Gardening Humor Parenting Women's Issues Men's Issues Star Trek Activism Tech Support From: Eric Subject: Re: I have SPS - Stiff Person Syndrome - SMS - Date: February 7, 2003 at 11:58 am PST

68. AAPM&R - Case No. 47, Cont muscles twitching involving predominantly the abdominal muscles and her history ofinsulin dependent diabetes mellitus is suggestive of stiff person syndrome. http://www.aapmr.org/education/emgcases/emg0010e.htm

What is a Physiatrist? Legislative, Business and Clinical Practice Issues Annual Assembly Medical Education ... EMG EMG Case No. 47, October 2000, continued Diagnostic Impression The presence of continuous motor unit activity associated with this individual's clinical history of muscles twitching involving predominantly the abdominal muscles and her history of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is suggestive of stiff person syndrome. What other diagnostic procedures (laboratory tests, etc.), if any, are needed? What treatment would you recommend? Commentary V Stiff person syndrome is characterized by slowly progressive increasing stiffness affecting the axial musculature, predominantly the paraspinal and abdominal muscles as well as the lower and upper limbs. On rare occasion symptoms may be confined to a limb or an upper or lower extremity. Over time there is an increasing frequency in the rate of muscle spasms. Some attacks of muscle spasms are so severe that individual may be thrown to the floor. Attacks may be triggered by alterations in emotion, startle, and loud noises. Severe cases may have marked contraction of the hip and knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors, and abdominal and paraspinal muscles. In advanced cases contraction of the paraspinal, abdominal and intercostals muscles may be seen. Hyperlordosis of the lumbosacral spine is common secondary to lumbosacral paraspinal muscles contraction, as is hunching of the shoulders secondary to cervical paraspinal hypertrophy.

69. AAPM&R - Case No. 47, Cont Stiff Person syndrome. Isaacs' syndrome. Stiff person syndrome involves theabdominal muscles and is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus. http://www.aapmr.org/education/emgcases/emg0010b.htm

What is a Physiatrist? Legislative, Business and Clinical Practice Issues Annual Assembly Medical Education ... EMG EMG Case No. 47, October 2000, continued History A 22-year-old woman with a 4-year history of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism presents to the electrodiagnostic laboratory with a chief complaint of involuntary muscle tightening and spasms. She has not experienced pain in association with the spasms, and she has no muscle cramps. She denies weakness. Her symptoms began 8 years ago while she was in high school, and the muscle tightening and spasms have been slowly progressive in severity and duration. The episodic tightening or twitching of her muscles involves her abdominal, hand, and lower limb muscles bilaterally. These paroxysmal episodes last for approximately 5 seconds and occur many times during the day. On occasion, she notices that objects fall from her hands. She believes that cold may induce her symptoms. Initially, she was not concerned about the abdominal spasms since they helped maintain her muscle tone. Prior to continuing, please develop a differential diagnosis and list each possible diagnosis in order of likelihood.

70. Clinical Study: 02-N-0122, History And Immunopathogenesis Of Stiff Person Syndro Title History and Immunopathogenesis of Stiff Person syndrome (SPS) Number 02N-0122Summary This study will explore the role of various immune factors http://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/detail/A_2002-N-0122.html

Protocol Number: 02-N-0122 Title: History and Immunopathogenesis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) Number: 02-N-0122 Summary: This study will explore the role of various immune factors involved in producing the disease symptoms in stiff-person syndrome (SPS) and follow disease progression in patients. SPS is a progressive disease in which unexpected noises, touches or stressful events set off muscle spasms and stiffness. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack certain healthy tissues. A better understanding of the disease may help researchers design new therapies. Patients of any age with SPS may be eligible for this study, except those who: - Lack of serum anti-GAD antibodies - Have very advanced disease that precludes traveling - Have severe cardiovascular, renal, or other end-organ-disease states Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical and neurological examinations to confirm the diagnosis of SPS. After screening, those enrolled in the study will be followed at the NIH Clinical Center every 6 months for 2 years (months 6, 12, 18, and 24) to have the following tests and procedures: - Physical and neurological examinations and review of symptoms (every visit) - Blood draw for routine tests and for research studies (every visit) - Stiffness assessment (every visit) - Patients are asked a series of questions about their stiffness, which physicians rate according to the number of stiff areas (e.g., 0-no stiff areas; 1-stiffness of the lower trunk; 2-stiffness of the upper trunk, etc.).

71. Stiff Person Syndrome Neither is MGH or MGH Neurology responsible for the content of any articlesor replies. No messages are screened for content. stiff person syndrome. http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum_2/DystoniaF/10.21.997.19PMstiffperson.htm

This Web Forum is not moderated in any sense. Anyone on the Internet can post articles or reply to previously posted articles, and they may do so anonymously. Therefore, the opinions and statements made in all articles and replies do not represent the official opinions of MGH and MGH Neurology. Neither is MGH or MGH Neurology responsible for the content of any articles or replies. No messages are screened for content. stiff person syndrome This article submitted by on 10/21/99. Email Address: teasme2@juno.com i have had a movement disorder for 5 years dx of segmental dystonia. i have a new neurololgist that has made a new diagnosis of stiff man syndrome and started me on valium. i can find no info on sms and would appreceiate any info that someone may have. Next Article Previous Article Return to Neurological Disorder Topic Menu Here is a list of responses that have been posted regarding this article... StiffPersonSyndrome Website (10/22/99) 10:37 PM the "ole stiff dickman's syndrom (10/22/99) 2:14 AM hummm, maybe that was stiff dick (10/22/99) 2:11 AM Yeah , my first husband had it!! (10/22/99) 2:10 AM ... sms (10/21/99) 10:37 PM If you want to post a completely new article on any topic you like

72. Stiff Person Syndrome In A Child Neither is MGH or MGH Neurology responsible for the content of any articles or replies.No messages are screened for content. stiff person syndrome in a child. http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum_2/FibromyalgiaF/12.2.992.20PMstiffpersons

This Web Forum is not moderated in any sense. Anyone on the Internet can post articles or reply to previously posted articles, and they may do so anonymously. Therefore, the opinions and statements made in all articles and replies do not represent the official opinions of MGH and MGH Neurology. Neither is MGH or MGH Neurology responsible for the content of any articles or replies. No messages are screened for content. stiff person syndrome in a child This article submitted by D.D. on 12/2/99. Email Address: ian.donaldson @bmts.com Our daughter who is know 13 years old has just been diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder named "Stiff Person Syndrome". It is very rare and it is quite hard to find out any information about this disorder, especially in a child. It took our neurologist and several other doctors over 2 years to come up with a diagnosis. My daughter typically had intense pain in her back and legs. She missed a year of school, and was in and out of a wheel chair for two years. She would get these attacks of spasms that would rack her body for 1-2 weeks. She would have to be hospitalized during this time because the spasms were so intense. Last March 1999, she suffered one of these attacks and the doctors tried immuno=-globulin and she has been improving ever since. She goes for monthly infusions for two days and this seems to be allowing her to have a normal active life. My main question is ...Has anyone else have this diorder? How is it treated? Has it ever gone into remission? If Immuno-therapy was used do you get side-effects-headaches, nausea, etc..?

73. Immunotherapy Treatment Shows Dramatic Results For Rare Immunotherapy Treatment Shows Dramatic Results For Rare Neurological Disorder StiffPerson syndrome BETHESDA, MD December 27, 2001 An immunologic therapy http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/210dae.htm

74. Untitled 22 22.27 Stiff Man (Stiff Person) syndrome. Overview Blum P Jankovic J. Stiffpersonsyndrome An autoimmune disease. Movement Disorders. 1991; 6 12-20. http://www.medal.org/docs_ch22/doc_ch22.27.html

Table of Contents, Chap. 22 Person) Syndrome Overview: The Stiff Man (or Stiff Person) Syndrome is a heterogenous disorder associated with involuntary muscle stiffness or spasms. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder involving the central nervous system and resulting in impairment of the neuronal pathways. Patients affected: both men and women usually with an insiduous onset during the fourth or fifth decade. Types based on underlying diseases: (1) associated with an underlying autoimmune disease (2) paraneoplastic (3) idiopathic Features: (1) Intermittent muscle rigidity/stiffness and spasms usually symmetric. (2) A stereotypic motor pattern during attacks may occur. (3) The presence of autoantibodies. (4) Lack of neurological signs. Muscle rigidity/stiffness and spasms • These occur most often in the back but may involve muscles in the abdomen extremities head and neck. • EMG studies may be nonspecific but often show continuous motor unit activity in the affected muscles. • Hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine may be produced by contraction of thoracolumbar paraspinal and abdominal wall muscles • Episodes may be spontaneous or they may be precipitated by sudden or loud noises sudden movements anxiety strong emotions and/or sudden jarring.

75. The Medical Algorithms Project, Chapter22 Prognostic Factors of TellezZenteno et al in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis FollowingThymectomy, Doc. Stiff Man (Stiff Person) syndrome, stiff man syndrome, Doc. http://www.medal.org/ch22.html

Section Algorithm Transplantation T Cell Subsets in Renal Transplant Rejection Doc Food Allergies Clinical Severity of Reaction in Food Allergy Doc Risk Factors for Severe Reaction in Peanut Allergy Doc Symptom Score for Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance in Infants Doc Grading Reaction Severity in Peanut and Nut Allergy Doc Antibody Production in the Central Nervous System CSF-to-Serum Albumin Index and the Intactness of the Blood-Brain Barrier Doc CSF IgG-to-Albumin Ratio and CNS Production of Antibody Doc CSF-to-Serum IgG Index and CNS Production of Antibody Doc CSF IgG Index Doc CNS IgG Synthesis Rate Doc Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Criteria for the Diagnosis of the Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Doc Prognostic Factors of Hartz et al for Patients with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Doc Oxford Research Criteria for the Diagnosis of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Doc Quantitation of Immunoglobulins Ratio of Kappa-to-Lambda Light Chains in the Serum Doc Relative Staining of Kappa-to-Lambda Light Chains in Bone Marrow Biopsies Doc Evaluation of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Disorders Patterns of Immunofluorescent Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Doc Clinical Indications for Measurement of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) Doc Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Criteria for the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Doc Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) Doc SLICC/ACR Damage Index for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Doc The Lupus Activity Criteria Count (LACC)

76. HONselect - Neuromuscular Diseases Accepted term(s) Amyotonia Congenita -Oppenheim Disease -Cramp-Fasciculationsyndrome -Fasciculation-Cramp syndrome, Benign. MeSH http://www.hon.ch/HONselect/Selection/C10.668.html

HONselect: Introduction Search Browse Favourites List of Rare Disease add HONselect Contents on "Neuromuscular Diseases": MeSH hierarchy and definition Research Articles Web resources Medical Images Medical News Medical Conferences Clinical Trials Wondering about the holiday blues! MeSH Hierarchy English French German Spanish Portuguese MeSH Broader term(s) Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases MeSH definition A general term encompassing lower MOTOR NEURON DISEASE; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES; and certain MUSCULAR DISEASES. Manifestations include MUSCLE WEAKNESS; FASCICULATION; muscle ATROPHY; SPASM; MYOKYMIA; MUSCLE HYPERTONIA, myalgias, and MUSCLEHYPOTONIA. Subheadings : complications / diagnosis / embryology / epidemiology / etiology / metabolism / microbiology / surgery / therapy MeSH Narrow term(s) Motor Neuron Disease Muscular Atrophy, Spinal Muscular Diseases Muscular Disorders, Atrophic Neuromuscular Junction Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Isaacs Syndrome Stiff-Person Syndrome Accepted term(s) -Amyotonia Congenita -Oppenheim Disease -Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome -Fasciculation-Cramp Syndrome, Benign

77. 13 Yr Old With Stiff-man Syndrome?? Can you get stiff person syndrome as achild and can the symptoms come and go? Canyou get stiff person syndrome as achild and can the symptoms come and go? http://info.med.yale.edu/intmed/stiffman/wwwboard2/messages/47.html

13 yr old with stiff-man syndrome Follow Ups Post Followup SMS Round Table FAQ Posted by Deb on April 03, 2000 at 16:10:42: Our 13 year old daughter is suspected of having stiff-man syndrome. She has had an undiagnosed condition for oover two years now. Her main symptom is pain in her back and down her legs. We live in Ontario, in Canada. Her neurologist Dr. Angelica Hahn, has just sent her blood to Yale to find out if she has the anti-Gad antibodies. Can you get stiff person syndrome as achild and can the symptoms come and go? -Any feedback would be welcomed. Best regards, Deb Donaldson Follow Ups: Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: : Our 13 year old daughter is suspected of having stiff-man syndrome. She has had an undiagnosed condition for oover two years now. Her main symptom is pain in her back and down her legs. : We live in Ontario, in Canada. Her neurologist Dr. Angelica Hahn, has just sent her blood to Yale to find out if she has the anti-Gad antibodies. : Can you get stiff person syndrome as achild and can the symptoms come and go? : -Any feedback would be welcomed. : Best regards, : Deb Donaldson Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Follow Ups Post Followup SMS Round Table FAQ

78. What Is SMS This variant is sometimes called the Jerking Stiff Person syndrome or ProgressiveEncephalomyelitis with rigidity. INVESTIGATIONS. Stiff Person syndrome. http://www.smsgroup.fsnet.co.uk/what_is_sms.htm

The Official UK charitable status attained in February 2002 (reg No, 700472) Home Our Stories What is SMS? Newsletter ... Useful Websites What is SMS? Stiff Man Syndrome The Basics Dr Peter Brown MD FRCP Consultant Neurologist The Stiff Man syndrome is a rare disorder first identified in the 1950’s. In its most typical form, the classical Stiff Man syndrome, it gradually develops and slowly progresses over several years, thereafter only fluctuating by modest amounts. Patients complain of painful spasms around the back, stomach and sometimes thighs and neck These spasms may be precipitated by unexpected events, such as a door slamming, a car backfiring or being tapped. Spasms may be also precipitated by attempts to move. As the disease progresses, there is often some degree of fixed postural abnormality, usually an arching of the low back. The classical Stiff Man syndrome is associated with a number of other diseases. The most common of these is insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Also reasonably common are the co-existence of thyroid disease, vitiligo and pernicious anaemia. All these diseases have in common an autoimmune (self-allergic) nature and it is likely that the Stiff Man syndrome has a similar basis. There are some variants of the Stiff Man syndrome, which have been more recently recognised. The first of these, sometimes called the Stiff Limb syndrome, is similar but painful spasms and occasionally fixed deformities, affect the legs including the feet rather than the back or the stomach more rarely the hand can be affected. Patients with this variant of Stiff Man syndrome are far less likely to have diabetes mellitus or other autoimmune conditions, and tend not to have anti-GAD antibodies (see later).

79. Immunotherapy Treatment Shows Dramatic Results For Rare Neurological Disorder: S Title Immunotherapy Treatment Shows Dramatic Results For Rare Neurological DisorderStiff Person syndrome URL http//www.pslgroup.com/dg/210DAE.htm Doctor's http://www.docguide.com/dg.nsf/PrintPrint/6D1B23434D3DB53285256B2F005F0E66

To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu Title: Immunotherapy Treatment Shows Dramatic Results For Rare Neurological Disorder: Stiff Person Syndrome URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/210DAE.htm Doctor's Guide December 27, 2001 BETHESDA, MD December 27, 2001 An immunologic therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), administered to patients suffering from stiff person syndrome (SPS), provides dramatic relief from disabling symptoms, according to a study appearing in the December 27, 2001, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine . The study's principal author, Marinos C. Dalakas, M.D., chief of the Neuromuscular Diseases Section of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, says that the success of the treatment supports the theory that SPS is the result of an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain and spinal cord. SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress that can set off muscular spasms. People with SPS are often too disabled to walk or move, or are afraid to leave the house because of stimuli-triggered spasms and frequent falls. The incidence of SPS has been estimated at one in every one million persons, but according to Dr. Dalakas, "the disorder is so often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness, or anxiety and phobia that its actual incidence is probably much higher."

80. Marinos C. Dalakas, Neuromuscular Diseases Section, NINDS Biomarkers are designed to follow disease activity. Clinical Protocols Historyand Immunopathogenesis of Stiff Person syndrome (SPS) ( 02N-0122 ); http://intra.ninds.nih.gov/Lab.asp?Org_ID=111

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