There are plenty of rare diseases out there. However, a recent one I’ve heard about that is affecting twice as many women than men is called Stiff Person Syndrome. This disease was recently put in the spotlight when Singer Celine Dion announced she was diagnosed with it this past December. What is stiff person syndrome, formerly known as “stiff man syndrome”? What causes this condition? Let’s examine these questions further in this week’s blog post.
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare autoimmune and neurological disorder that causes spasms and rigidity in the torso and limbs. Besides stiffening in the torso and limbs, you also start to develop muscle spasms and strong sensitivity to sound and lights. It has caused many people to experience anxiety and emotional distress. Here are some of the causes you must know about this rare disorder.
What Causes Stiff Person Syndrome?
Currently, the cause of stiff person syndrome is unknown. However, some researchers are suspecting that it could be caused by an autoimmune reaction. Many people with SPS make antibodies against a protein called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). GAD plays a role in making a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter controls muscle movement.
Another important thing to know is that SPS is associated with the presence of other autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, Type 1 diabetes, and pernicious anemia, among others. It’s also common in people with various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and thyroid cancer.
Is there a Stiff Person Syndrome Diet?
According to one 2021 study found in the Nutrients Journal, a gluten-free diet could be an effective intervention for people suffering from SPS. Twenty patients with SPS participated in this study. Fifteen out of 20 had an additional autoimmune disease. Twelve of the patients in the study improved while being on a gluten-free diet and in seven, a gluten-free diet was found to be the only treatment long term. The conclusion that the researchers were able to reach was that a diet without a mixture of proteins found in wheat proved to be an effective way to manage SPS.
What are Some of its Treatment Options?
Although there is no cure for SPS, there are treatment options out there for people experiencing this rare disease. Immunoglobulin medications can help reduce sensitivity to light or sound. Pain relievers and muscle relaxers could all be effective forms of treatment for this condition. Some patients also use botulinum toxin injections. Because of these treatments, patients can control their symptoms while managing this condition.
Stiff person syndrome may be a rare disease, but it is still affecting many people including women. Are you dealing with this disease or know someone dealing with it? Feel free to share your thoughts about SPS in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with someone who may want further information about this disease.
