Atropine 0.4 to 0.6 mg po tid decreases the bronchial secretions in patients with cholinergic excess. Stiff-man syndrome is characterized by the insidious onset of progressive stiffness in the trunk and abdomen and, to a lesser degree, in the legs and arms. Patients are otherwise normal, and examination detects only muscle hypertrophy and stiffness. Electromyography shows only the electrical activity of normal contraction. Only symptomatic therapy is available.
Diazepam is the only drug that consistently relieves muscle stiffness.
Results of plasmapheresis are conflicting. Isaac's syndrome is a disorder of unknown cause that produces predominantly limb symptoms. Abnormalities may originate in a peripheral nerve because they are abolished by curare but usually persist after general anesthesia. Carbamazepine or phenytoin relieves symptoms. A disease characterized by episodic muscle weakness caused by loss or dysfunction of acetylcholine receptors.