INFORMATION ON SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

Shy-Drager syndrome is a rare condition that causes progressive damage to the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls vital involuntary body functions such as heart rate, breathing, and intestinal, urinary, and sexual functions. The autonomic nervous system also controls skin and body temperature, and how the body responds to stress. Shy-Drager syndrome leads to dizziness or fainting when standing up, urinary incontinence, impotence, and muscle tremors. Shy-Drager syndrome usually develops between the ages of 37 and 75. It is 2 or 3 times more common among men than among women.

SYNONYMS OF SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Incontinence
2. Urinary incontinence
3. Stress incontinence
4. Urge incontinence
5. Overflow incontinence
6. Mixed incontinence
7. Guillain-Barré syndrome
8. Herpes in the genitoanal area


CAUSES OF SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

Symptoms develop because of degeneration of certain groups of nerve cells in the spinal cord.


SYMPTOMS OF SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

Symptoms may include

1. Dizziness or fainting when arising or after standing still
2. Loss of sweating of any part of the body
3. Loss of control of bowels or bladder
4. Vision changes, decreased or blurred vision
5. Difficulty bending arms or legs
6. Posture difficulties: may be unstable, stooped, or slumped over
7. Movement difficulties
8. Loss of balance
9. Difficulty beginning to walk or initiating any voluntary movement
10. Small steps followed by the need to run to maintain balance
11. Freezing of movement when the movement is stopped, unable to resume movement
12. Muscle aches and pains
13. Finger-thumb rubbing
14. May occur with any action such as holding a cup or other eating utensils
15. Changes in facial expression
16. Reduced ability to show facial expressions


DIAGNOSIS OF SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

As there is no specific test but some test may be performed such as:
1 Eye examination
2 Neuromuscular examinations
3 Blood pressure measurement


TREATMENT OF SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME

Anticholinergic medications may be used to reduce early or mild tremors. Levodopa may improve movement and balance.
Carbidopa may reduce the side effects of Levodopa and make it work better.
Constipation can be treated with a high-fiber diet and laxatives.
Patients are encouraged to eat a liberal salt diet and drink plenty of fluids.
They are advised to wear waist-high elastic hosiery and to sleep with the head elevated at least 5 in (13 cm).

Other drug treatment includes fludrocortisone, indomethacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers, central stimulants, and other medications.