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Stiff Person Syndrome

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Copyright 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2010

NORD is very grateful to Beth B. Murinson, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Director of Pain Education, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, for assistance in the preparation of this report.

Synonyms of Stiff Person Syndrome
  • Moersch-Woltman syndrome
  • SMS
  • SPS
  • stiff-man syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

  • focal stiff person syndrome
  • jerking stiff person syndrome
  • PERM
  • progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus
  • stiff limb syndrome


General Discussion
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare acquired neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and repeated episodes of painful muscle spasms. Muscular rigidity often fluctuates (i.e., grows worse and then improves) and usually occurs along with the muscle spasms. Spasms may occur randomly or be triggered by a variety of different events including a sudden noise or light physical contact. In most cases, other neurological signs or symptoms do not occur. The severity and progression of SPS varies from one person to another. If left untreated, SPS can potentially progress to cause difficulty walking and significantly impact a person’s ability to perform routine, daily tasks. Although the exact cause of SPS is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and sometimes occurs along with other autoimmune disorders.

Stiff-person syndrome has been described in the medical literature under many different, confusing names. Originally described as stiff-man syndrome, the name was changed to reflect that the disorder can affect individuals of any age and of either gender. In fact, most individuals with the condition are women. Stiff-person syndrome is considered by many researchers to be a spectrum of disease ranging from the involvement of just one area of the body to a widespread, rapidly progressive form that also includes involvement of the brain stem and spinal cord (progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus).

Organizations related to Stiff Person Syndrome
  • American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
    22100 Gratiot Avenue
    Eastpointe MI 48021
    Phone #: 586-776-3900
    800 #: 800-598-4668
    e-mail: aarda@aarda.org
    Home page: http://www.aarda.org/
  • AutoImmunity Community
    None
    None None None
    Phone #: (91-9) -552-9057
    800 #: N/A
    e-mail: moderator@autoimmunitycommunity.org
    Home page: http://www.autoimmunitycommunity.org
  • Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
    PO Box 4121
    Brick NJ 08723
    Phone #: 732-664-9259
    800 #: N/A
    e-mail: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
    Home page: http://www.aininc.org
  • Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
    PO Box 8126
    Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
    Phone #: 301-251-4925
    800 #: 888-205-2311
    e-mail: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
    Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
  • Living With Stiff Person Syndrome
    None
    None None None
    Phone #: 904--77-1-9185
    800 #: N/A
    e-mail: debbie@livingwithsps.com
    Home page: http://www.livingwithsps.com/index.html
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
    P.O. Box 5801
    Bethesda MD 20824
    Phone #: 301-496-5751
    800 #: 800-352-9424
    e-mail: me20t@nih.gov
    Home page: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
  • Stiff Person Syndrome.Net
    5667 Swamp Fox Rd.
    Jacksonville FL 32210
    Phone #: 904-771-9185
    800 #: N/A
    e-mail: john@stiffpersonsyndrome.net
    Home page: http://www.stiffpersonsyndrome.net

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Last modified Wednesday, November 26, 2008