Use

This test is useful for evaluating patients suspected of having stiff-person syndrome or progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus, using spinal fluid specimens. Stiff-person spectrum disorders are characterized by central nervous system hyperexcitability leading to stiffness, spasms, heightened startle responses, and falls. Specific antibodies detected in these disorders include GAD65 and sometimes amphiphysin-IgG, which can indicate paraneoplastic conditions such as breast adenocarcinoma. Other associated antibodies include glycine receptor and dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6 antibodies. The results, along with clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics, support diagnosis and management of these conditions.