Is Stiff person syndrome an autoimmune disease?
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is an autoimmune and neurological disorder with no known cause that can make the muscles in the torso and limbs alternate between rigidity and spasms.
What mimics stiff person syndrome?
Both isolated axial dystonia and stiff person syndrome (SPS) are rare conditions that can look as similar as to pose difficulties even to movement disorder experts familiar with both conditions.
Does stiff person syndrome get worse?
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.
Can stiff person syndrome go into remission?
Two female patients achieved clinical remission from the rare, debilitating neurological disease called stiff person syndrome (SPS, which can be marked by a “tin soldier” gait) after an autologous (from your own body) stem cell transplant that eventually allowed them to return to work and regain their previous …
What is the life expectancy of someone with stiff person syndrome?
What is the life expectancy of a patient with stiff person syndrome? The life expectancy for people with SPS ranges from 6 to 28 years from the onset of the condition.
What causes death in stiff person syndrome?
The two suggested mechanisms are as follows: (1) apnea due to muscle rigidity and paroxysmal muscle spasms, and (2) paroxysmal autonomic hyperactivity. Sudden and unexpected deaths have been reported in SPS, and all described cases have been associated with apnea.
What blood test shows stiff person syndrome?
A definitive diagnosis can be made with a blood test that measures the level of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies in the blood. People with SPS have elevated levels of GAD, an antibody that works against an enzyme involved in the synthesis of an important neurotransmitter in the brain.
Is Stiff Person Syndrome a disability?
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
Is Stiff person syndrome fatal?
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is considered dangerous in babies because they generally meet unfortunate and untimely death within a few months. The normal lifespan of a grown adult can be stated as 50 years (if symptoms start early).
Does stiff person syndrome affect the brain?
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, severely impairing mobility.
What triggers stiff person syndrome?
SPS is caused by increased muscle activity due to decreased inhibition of the central nervous system. It is thought to have an autoimmune component and is often associated with diabetes, as well as other autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia.
What kind of doctor treats stiff person syndrome?
Dr. Scott Newsome is a Neurologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Newsome has been practicing medicine for over 18 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Stiff Person Syndrome.