Shy-Drager syndrome is Neurologic orthostatic hypotension; Shy-McGee-Drager syndrome; Parkinson's plus syndrome
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare degenerative condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's Disease. However, patients with MSA have more widespread damage to the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions.
MSA or Shy-Drager is characterized by the following:
Progressive damage to the nervous system, leading to low blood pressure when standing, difficulty urinating, and abnormal breathing during sleep, muscle tremor and rigidity, slow movement, disrupted REM sleep patterns
The cause is unknown. MSA develops gradually and is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.
Symtoms include: dizziness or fainting when arising or after standing still
Impotence, loss of sweating, loss of control of bladder or bowel, vision changes, decreased or blurred vision, muscle rigidity, stiffness, difficulty bending arms or legs, posture difficulty ( be unstable, stooped or slumped), loss of balance, slow movements ( difficulty beginning to walk) or small steps, freezing of movement when movement has stopped, unable to resume movement, muscle aches and pains, changes in facial expressions, reduced ability to show facial expression, "mask" appearance to face, staring, may be unable to close mouth, slow speech, voice is low volume, monotone, difficulty speaking or chewing, loss of fine motor skills with any activity that requires small movements, frequent falls, mild decline in intellectual function (may occur).
There is no cure for MSA, and there is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms
Your health care provider can perform the following tests:
Eye examination, Neuromuscular examination, and blood pressure measurements,
Plasma norepinephrine levels, Urine examination for norepinephrine breakdown products (urine catecholamines), MRI of head to rule out other conditions.
I hope this information has helped you, Good Luck!!
