Definition

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 and bowel and bladder function). Shy-Drager syndrome may cause postural hypotension. Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure after changing position.

Causes

It is unknown what causes the degeneration or nerve loss in Shy-Drager syndrome.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for Shy-Drager syndrome include:

  • Age: Middle age or older
  • Sex: Male

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with the involuntary nerves usually occur first. Motor problems similar to those found with Parkinson’s disease may develop later. Symptoms include:

  • Dizziness or fainting when standing or sitting up, or changing positions
  • Dizziness may be worse in the morning or after meals
  • Fatigue after physical exertion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Neck ache, which may radiate to the shoulders
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Inability to control bowels or bladder (incontinence)
  • Urinary frequency and urgency that may be especially bothersome at night (occurs early in the disease)
  • Gasping or noisy breathing
  • Short stops in breathing during sleep ( sleep apnea )
  • Impaired temperature control
  • Reduced sweating
  • Dry skin
  • Vision problems
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Slurred, faint speech
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Poor balance
  • Unsteady walking
  • Tremors
  • Stiffness
  • Slow movements
  • Loss of facial expression
  • Dementia (occurs late in the disease)

Diagnosis

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:

  • Blood Tests –to measure electrolytes and other blood chemistries.
  • MRI Scan –a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.
  • Electromyogram (EMG) –a test that measures and records the electrical activity of the muscles at rest and when contracted. It can check for skeletal muscle weakness.
  • Tilt-table Test –this test measures changes in blood pressure as your body position changes.
  • Sleep Studies –done to check for disorders such as sleep apnea.
  • Barium Swallow –a series of x-rays of the upper digestive tract taken after you swallow a barium substance, which will show up on x-ray. In people with Shy-Drager syndrome, this test is used to assess swallowing problems.

Treatment

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:

Medication

Options may include:

  • Drugs to prevent drops in blood pressure, including:
    • Fludrocortisone (Florinef)
    • Indomethacin (Indocid)
    • Midodrine (ProAmatine)
    • Beta blockers such as:
      • Propranolol (Inderal)
      • Pindolol (Sectral)

  • These medications are used when changes in posture cause very rapid heart rate.

  • Drugs that treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • Laxatives or stool softeners to treat constipation

Self-care

Diet and exercise guidelines include:

  • Increase salt and fluid to help keep blood pressure up when standing.
  • Drink beverages containing caffeine after meals.
  • Eat small, frequent meals.
  • Eat soft foods, which may be easier to swallow.
  • Increase fiber to help with constipation. Avoid straining when going to the bathroom.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Exercise only moderately. Do not do vigorous exercise.

Lifestyle modifications include:

  • Sleep with the head of your bed raised to help prevent drops in blood pressure when arising.
  • Get up slowly and change positions slowly.
  • Wear elastic support stockings and abdominal binders or a body suit to help maintain blood pressure.
  • Avoid too much heat in your home or environment, and when bathing.

To help you manage specific symptoms and side effects:

  • Try speech therapy for help dealing with swallowing and speech problems.
  • If swallowing is a problem, ask your doctor about tube feedings.
  • Join a support group for patients and/or family members.
  • Ask your doctor about a penile implant and other treatments for impotence.
  • Ask your doctor about intermittent catheterization for urinary problems.
  • Ask your doctor before taking any drugs. Many patients with Shy-Drager syndrome are very susceptible to drug side effects even at low doses.

Breathing Support

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. This is usually a treatment of last resort.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Shy-Drager syndrome, because the cause is not known.