Progressive fluctuating muscular rigidity and spasm ("stiff-man" syndrome) ; report of a case and some observations in 13 other cases
Moersch, F.P.; Woltman, H.W.
Proceedings of the Staff Meetings. Mayo Clinic 31(15): 421-427
1956
ISSN/ISBN: 0092-699X PMID: 13350379 Document Number: 9698
Whether the rigidity occurred reflexly by way of the spinal cord, or whether it represented involvement of the basal ganglia, we could not decide. The frequent references to muscle spasm and the rigid abdomen concerned us and suggested the possibility of chronic tetanus. However, as compared with the phenomena of tetanus, the spasms of the stiff-man syndrome did not affect the jaw; they developed less abruptly following stimulation of the body, were less violent and relaxation took longer and was more gradual. Because of the fluctuating intensity of symptoms and because four patients had reducing substances in the urine, a metabolic basis for the malady should be considered.
Document emailed within 1 workday
