title: Stiff-person syndrome.
abstract: The stiff-person syndrome is a disorder of persistent, painful muscle contractions predominately affecting the axial musculature. We describe a patient with this disorder and review its pathophysiology. Molecular biologic and immunologic techniques have recently added to the understanding of the mechanism of this disorder. Association with diseases such as diabetes, vitiligo and hypothyroidism have strengthened the auto-immune nature of this syndrome. Auto-antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), an intraneuronal enzyme, have been implicated in the etiology of this unique disease. Therapeutic intervention with agents such as benzodiazepines that modify central GABAergic activity have demonstrated significant benefit in patients with stiff-person syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Jog
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D016750:Stiff-Person Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase