Open AccessUncommon presentation of a common disorder
Author(s) -
P R Sowmini,
M S Jawahar,
Kovilapu Uday Bhanu
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
annals of indian academy of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.427
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1998-3549
pISSN - 0972-2327
DOI - 10.4103/0972-2327.107720
Subject(s) - medicine , myopathy , muscle stiffness , presentation (obstetrics) , stiff person syndrome , thyroid , muscle hypertrophy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , myxedema , case presentation , pediatrics , physical therapy , surgery , stiffness , biochemistry , chemistry , structural engineering , engineering , glutamate decarboxylase , enzyme
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.