Table 1 Predominant distribution of stiffness and other neurological signs in 57 patients with Stiff Person Syndrome
Symptoms | n (%) |
|---|---|
Increased tone in: | |
Face | 16 (28) |
Cervical paraspinal and shoulder girdle muscles | 11 (19) |
Thoracic paraspinal and abdominal wall muscles | 14 (24) |
Lumbosacral paraspinal muscles | 16 (28) |
Proximal leg muscles | 17 (30) |
Combined lumbosacral paraspinal and proximal leg muscles | 33 (58) |
Axial (diffuse paraspinal and proximal limb muscles) | 39 (68) |
Asymmetry with one limb predominant (stiff-limb) | 6 (10) |
Distal limb stiffness | 4 (7) |
Spasms | 50 (88) |
Other associated symptoms: | |
Ocular symptoms | 13 (23) |
Cerebellar symptoms and signs | 7 (12) |
Functional impairment resulting in the following: | |
Stiff or impaired gait | 54 (94) |
Hyperlordosis | 48 (84) |
Shortness of breath | 11 (19) |
Need for cane | 26 (45) |
Need for walker | 14 (24) |
Need for wheelchair | 9 (15) |
Inability to work | 48 (84) |
Startle response | 55 (96) |
Anxiety and task-specific phobias | 52 (91) |
Depressed mood | 3 (5) |