STIFF PERSON SYNDROME-MANAGING A RARE AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER IN A LOW RESOURCE SETTING: A CASE REPORT.

Abstract

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and painful muscle spasms. The symptoms often progress slowly and can cause disability. Auto-antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) have been reported in up to 80% of the classic type of SPS. Delayed diagnosis may occur especially in low-resource settings if a high index of suspicion is not applied when individuals manifest characteristic symptoms. We report a case of a 63-year-old Nigerian female who presented with progressive onset low back pain, lower body rigidity and painful muscle spasm with subsequent loss of ambulation and development of depression. Serologic tests detected high-titer anti-GAD, confirming the diagnosis of SPS. Due to limited availability and the financial implications of out-of-pocket treatment, escalation therapy to immunebased therapy for this neurological disorder was hindered in our case.