A Case of Successful Treatment for Stiff Man Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Stiff man syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by progressive muscle stiffness and rigidity, painful spasm of axial and limb muscles with impairment of walking. Because its etiology is still unclear, diagnosis is based on typical clinical manifestations. Benzodiazepines are known as effective drug for the treatment of symptoms. We report a case of 39-year-old female patient who has suffered from rigidity of trunk, back pain, gait disturbance and depressive mood for 18 months. She was diagnosed as stiff man syndrome and successfully treated with medications such as diazepam, clonidine, baclofen.