Uncommon presentation of a common disorder

• Published in: Annals of the Indian Academy of Neurology Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 111 - 113
• Main Authors: Sowmini, P, Jawahar, M, Bhanu, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications 01.01.2013; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Action induced muscle spasms; Care and treatment; Case Report; Case studies; Complications and side effects; Diagnosis; Drug therapy; Hypothyroidism; muscle stiffness; Neurology; Risk factors; Stiff-person syndrome; India; Action induced muscle spasms; stiff person syndrome; hypothyroidism; muscle stiffness
• ISSN: 0972-2327; 1998-3549
• DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.107720

We report about a young male who presented with generalized muscle stiffness, involving the limb, facial, and paraspinal muscles. The stiffness was severe enough to restrict all his daily activities, progressively increased with movements and also produced recurrent falls. This clinical picture resembled one of stiff person syndrome. As he had hypertrophy of calf muscles and generalized muscle tautness he was evaluated for other disorders which can resemble stiff person syndrome. Investigations revealed severe hypothyroidism with thyroid antibodies being elevated. This case is reported to highlight the fact that myopathy as a presenting manifestation of hypothyroidism can simulate stiff person syndrome. It is essential to identify the condition early as it recovers fully with treatment. Our patient responded well to thyroid replacement therapy and was able to lead a normal life.