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Copyright 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004
NORD is grateful to M.K. Floeter, MD, PhD, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Synonyms of Stiff Person Syndrome
- Moersch-Woltmann Syndrome
- Muscular Rigidity - Progressive Spasm
- SMS
- Stiff Man Syndrome
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Stiff-person syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness (rigidity) and spasms. It usually begins in young adults, first involving muscles of the trunk and progressing to affect muscles of the legs. This syndrome may begin as recurring (intermittent) episodes of stiffness and spasms, often precipitated by surprise or minor physical contact. Those affected have a characteristic stiff-legged way of walking (gait) and increase in the curvature of the spine (lordotic posture). The exact cause of stiff person syndrome is not known.
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: bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Home page: http://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
- European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID)
c/o Dr. Bodo Grimbacher (ESID Board Member)
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg
Hugstetter Strasse 55
Freiburg None D-79106
Phone #: +31- 73--6992965
800 #: N/A
e-mail: info@esid.org
Home page: http://www.esid.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: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- 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 Association
122 1/2 Woodrow Ave.
St. Clairsville OH 43950
Phone #: 740-391-1626
800 #: N/A
e-mail: info@spsaonline.net
Home page: http://spsaonline.net
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