Diane Portman, MD∗
Correspondence information about the author MD Diane Portman, Kristine A. Donovan, PhD, Margarita Bobonis, MD Department of Supportive Care Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
Article Info
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a disorder characterized by fluctuating, progressive and painful spasms of the limbs, trunk and face. The condition is frequently associated with other diseases, including malignancies1. Up to 10% of SPS cases are paraneoplastic (PSPS) and occur with various types of cancer 2. SPS is thought to be immune-mediated, with up to 60% of patients demonstrating antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).Key Words:
Cannabinoids, paraneoplastic stiff person syndrome, symptom relief in autoimmune neurologic illness, refractory spasms
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Key Message: This article describes a case of paraneoplastic stiff person syndrome and a novel treatment paradigm including medical cannabis. The outcomes suggest that state medical marijuana program-sanctioned THC/CBD products may provide relief for patients with refractory symptoms in this autoimmune neurologic condition. Further study is indicated.
