Stiff person syndrome

A condition in which the trunk and limbs stiffen, making it hard to walk.

Overview

With stiff person syndrome, the trunk and limbs stiffen. This makes it hard to walk. A person also becomes sensitive to noise and touch, which can cause muscle spasms. The syndrome is associated with diseases in which the immune system attacks the body (autoimmune diseases).

Treatments

Medications and walking assistance devices help manage symptoms.