Stiff person syndrome- how to manage?
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Hello, my neighbor is a 57-year-old female. She had a one day history of vertical diplopia and a two week history of lower limb spasticity secondary to muscle spasms. Her acetylcholine receptor antibody serum test (ACH-R) was 0.43 nmol/L, which is at the high end of normal. An appointment with the neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist was done. When my neighbor returned, she reported that her neurologist had diagnosed her with stiff-person syndrome (SPS). Please let me know how to manage this.
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@sanghamitra Treatment for stiff person syndrome is based on your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and improve your mobility and comfort.
Therapies your healthcare provider may try include benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and clonazepam) or baclofen to treat muscle stiffness and spasms. Anti-seizure drugs may lessen pain. Occasional use of anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids may be useful in some cases for pain flares.
Other treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, rituximab and autologous stem cell transplant. Your healthcare provider will work with you to provide the best options and order of treatment options to manage your specific symptoms.
Effective non-medication options (given along with medication) include physical therapy, massage, water therapy, heat therapy, acupuncture and others.