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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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