Stiff-leg syndrome: a focal form of stiff-man syndrome

Ann Neurol. 1998 Mar;43(3):400-3. doi: 10.1002/ana.410430322.

Abstract

We report on 2 patients who presented stiffness and spasms similar to those of stiff-man syndrome (SMS) that were limited to one leg for up to 11 years. Patients had serum glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibodies in high titer, clinical evidence of organ-specific autoimmunity, and electromyographic pattern of continuous motor unit activity with abnormally enhanced exteroceptive reflexes. The clinical and immunological profile suggests that this disorder may be a focal form of SMS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / immunology
  • Humans
  • Leg / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Stiff-Person Syndrome / classification
  • Stiff-Person Syndrome / immunology
  • Stiff-Person Syndrome / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase