Brain & Nervous System More Neurological Diseases What Is Stiff Person Syndrome? By Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN Mary Kugler, RN, is a pediatric nurse whose specialty is caring for children with long-term or severe medical problems. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 21, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Huma Sheikh, MD Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Huma Sheikh, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, specializing in migraine and stroke, and affiliated with Mount Sinai of New York. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Stiff person syndrome (SPS), also called Moersch-Woltmann syndrome, is a rare nervous system disorder in which muscle stiffness comes and goes. Research suggests that SPS is also an autoimmune disorder, and people with it often have other autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes or thyroiditis as well. Stiff person syndrome affects both males and females and may begin at any age, although diagnosis during childhood is rare. It is not known exactly how many people have it. Patrik Giardino / DigitalVision / Getty Images Symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome Symptoms of SPS may include: Muscle stiffness in the trunk and limbs that comes and goes: This causes back stiffness or pain, an exaggerated upright posture, and stiff-legged walk.Severe muscle spasms in the arms and legs when a person is startled, touched, upset, or anxiousCurved lower back (lordosis) and deformed joints in the body (over time)Falling during sudden muscle spasms (may cause additional related problems) Diagnosis The symptoms suggest the diagnosis. However, because it is a rare disorder, it may be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or a psychological disorder. The diagnosis can often be confirmed by the presence of anti-GAD antibodies, which are present in 60% to 80% of those with SPS. Some people with SPS have antibodies to amphiphysin, a protein involved in the transmission of signals between neurons. Having these antibodies increases the risk of breast, lung, and colon cancer in these patients. Other tests may be done, such as hemoglobin A1C to check for diabetes or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to check for thyroiditis. Muscle testing (electromyography, or EMG) may also be performed. Treatment Although there is no cure for SPS, there are treatments available. Drugs such as Azasan (azathioprine), Valium (diazepam), Neurontin (gabapentin), Gabitril (tiagabine ), or Lioresal (baclofen) may be used. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) helps reduce symptoms in some individuals, but this treatment is typically reserved for those with life-threatening respiratory decline. For others, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is helpful. Physical therapy may help relieve symptoms related to prolonged muscle tension, but it may also trigger muscle spasms. Corticosteroids may help as well, though they must be carefully given to those with diabetes. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Stiff person syndrome information page. McKeon A, Robinson MT, McEvoy KM, et al. Stiff-man syndrome and variants: clinical course, treatments, and outcomes. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(2):230–238. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2011.991 National Institutes of Health. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Stiff-person syndrome. Bhatti AB, Gazali ZA. Recent advances and review on treatment of stiff person syndrome in adults and pediatric patients. Cureus. 2015;7(12):e427. doi:10.7759/cureus.427 Additional Reading Folli F, Solimena M, Cofiell R, et al. Autoantibodies to a 128-kd synaptic protein in three women with the stiff-man syndrome and breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1993 Feb 25;328(8):546-51 Grimaldi LM, Martino G, Braghi S, et al. Heterogeneity of autoantibodies in stiff-man syndrome. Ann Neurol .1993 Jul;34(1):57-64. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Stiff Person Syndrome Information Page. Disorders. Piccolo G, Cosi V, Zandrini C, Moglia ASO, Ital J. Steroid-responsive and dependent stiff-man syndrome: a clinical and electrophysiological study of two cases. Neurol Sci. 1988 Dec;9(6):559-66. Editorial Process Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit