About Stiff Person Syndrome
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by progressive fluctuating muscular rigidity of the trunk and proximal limbs, with painful episodic muscle spasms triggered by emotional stress, noise, or touch. Most patients have high-titer anti-GAD65 autoantibodies. SPS is associated with other autoimmune conditions, particularly type 1 diabetes. VGCC and glycine receptor antibodies define rarer variants. Treatment includes GABAergic medications and immunotherapy.
Common Clinical Features
Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips
What to know before applying to Stiff Person Syndrome trials.
Anti-GAD65 antibody titer (markedly elevated, typically >1000 IU/mL) is required for SPS diagnosis and trial eligibility
Stiffness index measurement and surface EMG documentation of continuous motor unit firing are objective eligibility markers
Immunotherapy trial history (IVIG, plasmapheresis, rituximab) must be documented — washout periods are required
SPS variants (PERM with glycine receptor antibodies vs. classic anti-GAD65 SPS) may have separate trial eligibility criteria
Patient Resources
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