Can you live a normal life with stiff person syndrome?

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).

How is stiff person syndrome treated?

Therapies your healthcare provider may try include benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and clonazepam) or baclofen to treat muscle stiffness and spasms. Anti-seizure drugs may lessen pain. Occasional use of anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids may be useful in some cases for pain flares.

Does stiff person syndrome get worse?

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.

What causes 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.

Does exercise help stiff person syndrome?

And finally one report stated that stretching, ROM exercises for the stiff areas, and lower back exercises including knee to chest, pelvic tilt, and isometric abdominal exercises are beneficial for low back pain, hyperlordosis, mobility, gait and for improving the patient’s function and their ability to perform their …

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 …

Does stiff person syndrome cause fatigue?

Most SPS patients with GAD antibodies also have antibodies which inhibit GABA-receptor-associated protein, leading to GABA functional impairment and hence the clinical features [4]. The occurrence of fatigue has been reported in SPS [5] but may be overshadowed by other muscular complaints.

Why do my muscles freeze up?

Spasticity is generally caused by damage or disruption to the area of the brain and spinal cord that are responsible for controlling muscle and stretch reflexes. These disruptions can be due to an imbalance in the inhibitory and excitatory signals sent to the muscles, causing them to lock in place.

What is the prognosis for stiff person syndrome?

Prognosis for Stiff-Person Syndrome: There is no cure for stiff-person syndrome. The long-term prognosis for individuals with stiff-person syndrome is uncertain. Management of the disorder with drug therapy may provide significant improvements and relief of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of stiff person syndrome?

The fluctuating stiffness of the trunk and limb muscles that lead to stiffness and pain in the back.

What is the progression of stiff person syndrome?

Stiff-limb syndrome is characterized by the localized involvement of one limb, usually a leg. The stiffness and muscle spasms are extremely similar to those found in classic stiff-person syndrome. Stiff-limb syndrome may progress to eventually affect both legs and may cause difficulty walking.

What is stiff people syndrome?

Stiff-Person syndrome is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms. Abnormal postures, often hunched over and stiffened, are characteristic of the disorder.