One for the Men | Arthritis Information

Stiff-Person Syndrome

Stiff-person syndrome, which may also be referred to as Moersch-Woltmann syndrome, is a rare, severe autoimmune neurologic disease involving the central nervous system. The disease is characterized by a progressive rigidity or stiffness of the body musculature. The stiffness is caused by a diffuse hypertonia (excess muscular tension or pressure) that involves the voluntary muscles of the neck, shoulders, trunk, arms and legs. Painful muscle spasms may also be present. Unlike many autoimmune diseases which have a higher incidence in women, stiff-person syndrome is found more frequently in men. Approximately 70 percent of those afflicted are men.

While the exact cause of stiff-person syndrome is not clear, autoimmunity is thought to be a factor. Genetic factors have not been established, although familial occurrences of the disease and/or other autoimmune disorders appear to point in this direction. The frequent occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also referred to as type 1 diabetes, in stiff-person syndrome supports this hypothesis.

For more information on Stiff-Person Syndrome, or for a free packet of information on autoimmunity, please click on the request information icon below.