Electrophysiological findings in a case of stiff-man syndrome
Rossi, B.; Massetani, R.; Guidi, M.; Mondelli, M.; Rossi, A.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology 28(2-3): 137-140
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-150X PMID: 3416803 Document Number: 316804
Electrophysiological investigation of a patient suffering from stiff-man syndrome revealed a defective presynaptic inhibition on to Ia group afferent fibers from the soleus muscle. In contrast, 5-night polygraphic recordings revealed a normal sleep pattern, except for a reduction in total sleep time. From our results the hypothesis is put forward that muscular hyperactivity in stiff-man syndrome may be sustained by a defective spinal mechanism of muscle relaxation.