The syndrome itself is not fatal, but it can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. And like many chronic conditions, the associated complications can lead to a shorter life expectancy.
Who is at risk for stiff person syndrome?
Anyone at any age can get the condition, said Dr. Richard Nowak, an assistant professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, but it’s most typical in middle-aged people, between 30 and 60, and can be associated with very stressful events. Like many other immune disorders, it’s more common in women than men, said Dr. Newsome.
Certain autoimmune diseases and cancers have been associated with a slight increase in the risk of developing the syndrome, said Dr. Tankha, including diabetes, thyroiditis, vitiligo, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. However, the risk remains low.
What Are the Symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome often begins with stiffness in the trunk and abdomen, which can then spread to the legs, arms and face, said Dr. Tankha. This decrease in mobility may be rare at first, but over time it can become constant, causing people to walk slightly bent over or unable to walk at all. People may also experience painful muscle spasms or persistent pain.
The duration of the spasms can range from seconds to hours, said Dr. Tankha, and they can be so severe that they break bones or cause patients to fall. The muscle spasms can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors, such as loud noises, cold temperatures and emotional stress, said Dr. Newsome. The presence of chronic pain can also cause some patients to develop anxiety, depression, and phobias about going outside or trying new activities.