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Which are the symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome?

See the worst symptoms of affected by Stiff Person Syndrome here

Stiff Person Syndrome symptoms

Symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome


Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. It primarily affects the muscles of the trunk and limbs, causing significant impairment in mobility and daily activities. The symptoms of SPS can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time.



1. Muscle Stiffness


One of the hallmark symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome is muscle stiffness, which can be continuous or episodic. The stiffness typically affects the axial muscles, including the back, abdomen, and hips. It may also involve the muscles of the limbs, such as the arms and legs. The stiffness can be so severe that it impairs movement and leads to a rigid posture.



2. Muscle Spasms


Individuals with Stiff Person Syndrome often experience muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions of the muscles. These spasms can be spontaneous or triggered by external stimuli, such as noise, touch, or emotional stress. The spasms can be painful and may cause sudden jerking movements or postural changes.



3. Hyperreflexia


Hyperreflexia, or exaggerated reflexes, is another common symptom of Stiff Person Syndrome. The affected individual may exhibit increased reflex responses, such as an exaggerated knee jerk reflex. This hyperexcitability of the reflexes can contribute to muscle stiffness and spasms.



4. Balance and Coordination Problems


Stiff Person Syndrome can affect balance and coordination, leading to difficulties in walking and performing fine motor tasks. The muscle stiffness and spasms can disrupt normal movement patterns, making it challenging to maintain balance and coordinate movements. This can significantly impact the individual's ability to carry out daily activities.



5. Sensory Disturbances


Some individuals with Stiff Person Syndrome may experience sensory disturbances, such as heightened sensitivity to touch, sound, or light. These sensory abnormalities can trigger muscle spasms and worsen the overall symptoms of the condition.



6. Anxiety and Emotional Distress


Living with Stiff Person Syndrome can be emotionally challenging. The chronic pain, physical limitations, and unpredictable nature of the symptoms can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. It is important for individuals with SPS to receive appropriate psychological support in addition to medical management.



7. Autonomic Dysfunction


In some cases, Stiff Person Syndrome can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. This can result in symptoms such as fluctuations in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and bladder dysfunction.



8. Sleep Disturbances


Many individuals with Stiff Person Syndrome experience sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and non-restorative sleep. The muscle stiffness and spasms can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to disrupted sleep patterns.



9. Fatigue


Chronic fatigue is a common symptom reported by individuals with Stiff Person Syndrome. The constant muscle stiffness and spasms can be physically exhausting, leading to a persistent feeling of tiredness and reduced energy levels.



If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management. Stiff Person Syndrome is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists to optimize treatment outcomes.


Diseasemaps
8 answers
Inability to freely ambulate.
Inability to bend and flex body.

Posted Feb 28, 2017 by Loretta 1000
I would get rid of the constant stiffness and rigidity. I would love to be able to walk again and getting rid of those two symptoms would make that possible. I also hope it would get rid of some of the constant pain and discomfort.

Posted Mar 1, 2017 by Michelle 1500
Anxiety, rigidity, spasms and the uncertainty of what may happen next.

I would get rid of anxiety as that often causes symptoms to become worse.

Posted Mar 1, 2017 by Liz 1000
Stiff Person Syndrome is a neurological syndrome which makes one not have enough or any gaba in their brain which makes their body and muscle tone weak, have body spasms which vary from muscle to muscle and in some people causes full body spasms that makes ones body contort in ways it should not. It also makes indents in people's limbs after so many spasms. It's a very frustrating syndrome, very painful and alters ones life in ways never imagined.

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by Jasmine Nardone-Franco 1430
Though the symptoms have been many over the course of my disease, the first ones I'd rid myself of would be those that limit my abilities to breath and see, starting with the spasms and rigidity of my diaphragm, heart, lungs, rib cage and now my eyes. The rest can be/are, at times, extremely debilitating but those listed above are the ones that threaten my life, although the eyes could be survivable. One day I imagine living and sleeping in a specialized electric wheelchair won't be enough to hold the rest at bay as it's a progressive disease but at least that area is sustainable for now and there's a sliver of hope that something will be discovered to slow the progression to a crawl or maybe stop it altogether. One can hope.

Posted Sep 17, 2021 by hope7dre 300
Stiffness of chest muscles resulting in decreased oxygen saturation.

Posted Dec 24, 2021 by Pathdoc 2500
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Muscle stiffness, spasms to emotional stimuli,acoustic,tactile, sudden changes of temperstura to the cold, etc, Rupture of the abdominal wall due to the spasms. Falls frequent. In the beginning launched with hyperextension abdominal.

Posted Sep 18, 2017 by Fernando Vela Vallejo 3250

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I am a 68 year old male, born in Scotland but live in Sydney Australia who has lived with back problems since 1973, mid 1986 while holidaying in Oregon I went white water rafting on the Rogue River on an inner tube, unfortunately I was thrown off and...
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I was misdiagnosed with Lupus in 2009 and finally got the correct diagnosis through GAD testing in Oct 2015. My neurologist, who specializes in SPS, Dr. Machado in Conn is the reason I am alive today along with my children and my husband and family. ...
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Symptoms started very gradually during/after first and only pregnancy in 2004. Full blown symptoms, including stiffness, drooping eyelids and soft palette, vertigo, dizziness, and altered gait by 2008. Diagnosed first with Myasthenia Gravis, and then...
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> My name is Stacy Mayle and I'm 47 years old. I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) 4 years ago, after developing symptoms at age 37. It took 10 years to diagnose since it is such a rare disorder. ...

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