This rare disorder of the central nervous system is characterised by muscle rigidity and spasms.
An autoimmune pathogenesis has been suggested, and there is an association with other autoimmune conditions, including Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. 60% of patients have autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase.
ref. Pugliese, A. et al (1994) Genetics of susceptibility and resistance to insulin-dependent diabetes in stiff-man syndrome The Lancet 344:1027
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