Stiff-man syndrome revisited

Abstract

Stiff-man syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by involuntary axial rigidity and continuous motor unit activity on electromyography. Recent studies propose an autoimmune etiology of this disorder because antibodies directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase and pancreatic islet cells have been detected. Favorable responses to plasmapheresis have been reported, and new treatment modalities are being studied.