Other names: Moersch-Woltman Syndrome; Stiff-Man Syndrome
Rare central nervous system disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of the axial and limb musculature. Diagnosis is based on the appropriate clinical signs, continuous motor activity on electromyography, and significant favourable response to diazepam. It has been suggested that the syndrome may result from an imbalance between the gaba-ergic and catecholaminergic pathways that control motor unit activity; the imbalance may be caused by autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase.
Note: There are currently no drugs listed for "Stiff-Person Syndrome".