All about Shy-Drager syndrome  causes of Shy-Drager syndrome symptoms of Shy-Drager syndrome diagnosis of Shy-Drager syndrome treatment for Shy-Drager syndrome |
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How is Shy-Drager syndrome diagnosed?
An eye examination may reveal atrophy of the iris and paralysis of eye muscles. Postural hypotension (drop in blood pressure associated with change in position) is evident. A neuromuscular examination shows abnormal reflexes and may show severe muscle wasting (atrophy). Parkinsonian movements (tremor, rigidity, and slow movements similar to
Parkinson's disease) are common. Diagnosis is largely clinical as there are no specific tests during life to confirm the disease. A neurologist makes the diagnosis based on the history of symptoms and the findings on physical examination as well as ruling out other causes.
Tests of the autonomic nervous system may help diagnose the condition. In normal patients, blood levels of norepinephrine rise when they stand up. This doesn't happen in people with SDS. Norepinephrine is a hormone that helps maintain blood pressure by triggering certain blood vessels to constrict when blood pressure falls below normal. Another test for the condition is the Valsalva maneuver. In this test, the patient holds his or her breath and strains down as if having a bowel movement while the doctor monitors blood pressure and heart rate for 10 seconds. Patients with SDS will not have the normal increase in blood pressure and heart rate. |
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More information on Shy-Drager syndrome
What is Shy-Drager syndrome? - Shy-Drager syndrome is a mysterious progressive disorder of the central and sympathetic nervous systems, also called multiple system atrophy with postural hypotension.
What causes Shy-Drager syndrome? - Shy-Drager syndrome is a rare degenerative condition. The cause is unknown. There is progressive damage (degeneration) of the nervous system.
What're the symptoms of Shy-Drager syndrome? - Symptoms of Shy-Drager syndrome include constipation, impotence in men, urinary incontinence, impaired speech, difficulties with breathing and swallowing, and inability to sweat (anhidrosis).
How is Shy-Drager syndrome diagnosed? - Tests of the autonomic nervous system may help diagnose Shy-Drager syndrome. Another test for the condition is the Valsalva maneuver.
What's the treatment for Shy-Drager syndrome? - There is no cure for the Shy-Drager syndrome. The treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms such as postural hypotension and parkinsonian movements. |
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