Stiff Person Syndrome

I just read that famous singer Celine Dion has been diagnosed with Stiff person disease. Whatever is that? I have never even heard of it before.

Likely you never heard about Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) before, because it is a very rare neurological syndrome that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain and spinal cord. Fewer than 5,000 individuals in the USA are believed to have this diagnosis. Twice as many females are affected by the syndrome as compared with males. It results in increased muscle activity due to decreased inhibition or dysregulation of muscle activity by the central nervous system. Symptoms may include extreme muscle stiffness and rigidity severely impairing mobility. It can affect muscles involved with singing. Painful spasms in the trunk and limbs can generate enough force to fracture bones. Symptoms may also include a greater sensitivity to noise, touch, anxiety, and emotional distress that can trigger muscle spasms. For example, the sound of a car horn can trigger spasms and falls. More tomorrow.