Stiff-Person Syndrome

• Stiff man syndrome
• Moersch-Woltman syndrome
• Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM)

"Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a very rare disease affecting only one or two people per million. It causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can be triggered by a variety of things including sudden movement, cold temperature or unexpected loud noises."

Source: Johns Hopkins Medecine (U.S.)

"SPS does not appear to differentiate between sex, colour, or creed, although UK evidence tends to suggest women are more likely to fall victim to SPS. SPS is a neurological condition believed to be of auto-immune origin. It is unique among neurological diagnoses due to its lack of significant similarity to any other neurological diseases. Although rare, once observed it is quite unforgettable. Because of its rarity, many neurologists and GPs are not aware of the condition. In most cases, the first symptoms are insidious and victims are often initially misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. The onset is most frequent between the third and fourth decades of life."

Source: Genetic Alliance UK

• Classic SPS
• Focal SPS
• Jerking SPS

Coronavirus - information for people with neurological problems (Brain & Spine Foundation)
www.brainandspine.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Stiff Person Syndrome (NORD, U.S. National Organization for Rare Disorders)
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/stiff-person-syndrome

Stiff person syndrome (U.S. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center)
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5023/stiff-person-syndrome

Stiff-Person Syndrome (U.S. National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Stiff-Person-Syndrome-Information-Page

Living with a condition (The Brain Charity)

The library at the Brain Charity has a range of resources on a wide range of disability related issues.