• Xiaohui Lu, Du Hong, Wenshuo Wu, Liping Zhang, and Changlin Qiu.
• Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Jan 12; 103 (2): e36883e36883.

RationaleAt present, there are limitations to the treatment of stiff person syndrome (SPS). Current treatments are still ineffective or financially burdensome for some patients, so it is imperative to explore more appropriate treatments for patients. This is a case report of a SPS with a more significant effect of combined Chinese and Western medicine, which may provide new treatment ideas for other patients.Patient ConcernsThis patient presented with episodes of stiffness and pain in the lower back and lower extremities. His electromyography shows continued activation of normal motor units in the paraspinal and abdominal muscles. However, relevant laboratory tests including glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody and Amphiphysin antibody were negative. After a period of treatment including clonazepam, baclofen, prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin, this patient experiences a shortened maintenance period of medication, accompanied by symptoms such as emotional anxiety and cognitive decline, which severely affects his life.DiagnosesThis patient was diagnosed with SPS.InterventionsIn May 2022 the patient decided to combine Chinese medicine for simultaneous treatment.OutcomesDuring the period of simultaneous treatment with Chinese and Western medicine, the patient experienced remission of clinical symptoms, reduction of concomitant symptoms and improved quality of life.ConclusionA combination of Western and Chinese medicine was effective in relieving this patient pain and stiffness and reducing the patient anxiety. Combined Chinese and Western medicine treatment may be able to bring better results to more patients with stiff person syndrome.Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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