Shy-Drager syndrome is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. Multiple areas of the nervous system can be affected, such as the parts that control motor and involuntary functions. The motor system controls movement and balance. The involuntary, or autonomic, nervous system controls body functions (for example, blood pressure, bowel and bladder function). Shy-Drager syndrome may cause postural hypotension. Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure after changing position that can result in dizziness or fainting.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for Shy-Drager syndrome include:
Symptoms associated with the involuntary nerves usually occur first. Motor problems similar to those found with Parkinson’s disease may develop later. Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This disease is often hard to diagnose. There is no specific test for Shy-Drager syndrome, but testing helps rule out other conditions.
Tests may include:
No cure exists for Shy-Drager syndrome. Doctors are often able to help you manage the blood pressure problem. But no treatment exists to stop the decline in nerve function. Therapies aim to control symptoms.
Treatment may include:
Options may include:
Diet and exercise guidelines include:
Lifestyle modifications include:
To help you manage specific symptoms and side effects:
If you have severe breathing problems that cannot be relieved in other ways, your doctor may advise that you have a tracheostomy. This is a surgically-created hole in the windpipe, usually a treatment of last resort.
RESOURCES:
National Dysautonomia Research Foundation
http://www.ndrf.org
We Move (Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders)
http://www.wemove.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Parkinson Society Canada
http://www.parkinson.ca/home.html
The Canadian Brain and Nerve Health Coalition
http://www.ccns.org/ccns_information/brain_nerve.html
References:
Campbell's Urology . 7th ed. WB Saunders Co; 1998.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. WB Saunders Co; 2000.
Deguchi K, Ikeda K, Sasaki I, et al. Effects of daily water drinking on orthostatic and postprandial hypotension in patients with multiple system atrophy. J Neurol. 2007;254:735-740
Golbe LI. Multiple System Atropy. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology website. Available at: http://www.medlink.com . Accessed February 23, 2008.
Multiple system atrophy. Medical Clinics of North America . 1999.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .
Practice of Geriatrics . 3rd ed. WB Saunders Co; 1998.
Textbook of Clinical Neurology . WB Saunders Co; 1999.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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