Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
06:54
Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
[A stiff-legged man with a bizarre gait].
Trygve Holmøy1, Morten Andreas Horn, Bodvar Vandvik
1Nevrologisk avdeling, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0407 Oslo. trygve.holmoy@medisin.uio.no
Summary
Stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, involves muscle rigidity and spasms. Early diagnosis is crucial as it can be misdiagnosed as psychogenic, but GAD65 antibodies confirm SPS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder causing muscle rigidity and spasms.
- Its autoimmune pathogenesis is suggested by GAD65 antibodies and association with other autoimmune diseases.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of progressive stiffness and spasms, initially in the left leg.
- Clinical examination showed abnormal gait and muscle contractions, with normal neurological findings and imaging.
- Symptoms evolved to affect the back and both legs, leading to falls.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of SPS was confirmed by elevated GAD65 antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Electromyography showed simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles.
- Diazepam effectively treated the stiffness and muscle cramps.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering SPS in patients with unexplained stiffness and spasms.
- Emphasizes that absence of specific neurological deficits can lead to misdiagnosis as psychogenic disorder.
- Suggests early GAD65 antibody testing for suspected SPS cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
01:27Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
01:18Indeterminate Structure
Indeterminate structures refer to structures where internal forces and reactions cannot be determined using only the equations of static equilibrium. Indeterminate structures have more unknown forces and reaction forces than equations of static equilibrium that can be used to determine them. Indeterminate structures are often used in engineering to create complex, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing structures. There are various types of indeterminate structures used in engineering and some...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...