Stiff Person Syndrome with multisystem complications: A case report and literature review on recent advances in treatment and management

Abstract

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by progressive rigidity, muscle spasms, and fluctuating stiffness, primarily affecting the truncal and limb muscles. As the disease progresses, patients can become severely disabled, experiencing multisystem complications such as recurrent falls, infections, difficulties with swallowing and speech, and psychiatric manifestations. Here, we present a case of a 70-year-old woman diagnosed with SPS, who experienced significant worsening of her condition, including fractures, recurrent urinary tract infections, dysphagia, and depression. We then discuss the latest breakthroughs in treatment and rehabilitation for patients with advanced SPS and highlight the critical need for early recognition, continuous monitoring, and a multidisciplinary approach to managing SPS.