Shy-Drager syndrome, also called Multiple System Atrophy with orthostatic hypotension, is a rare disease, of unknown cause, characterized by severe and progressive impairment of the central and autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary functions of the body. There are 3 types of this syndrome:
- Parkinsonian shy-drager syndrome: In addition to the typical symptoms of the disease, there is similarity to Parkinson's disease, where the individual also has slow movements, muscle stiffness and tremors; Cerebellar shy-drager syndrome: In addition to the typical symptoms of the disease, there is impaired motor coordination and speech; Combined shy-drager syndrome: In this case, the disease covers the parkinsonian and cerebellar forms, being the most severe of all.
Symptoms of Shy-Drager syndrome
The main symptoms of Shy-Drager syndrome are:
- Decreased amount of sweat, tears and saliva; Difficulty seeing; Difficulty urinating; Constipation.
In addition to these symptoms, the individual may have frequent symptoms of Parkinson's disease or impaired speech and movement, depending on the type of shy-drager syndrome he has.
Treatment for Shy-Drager syndrome
The treatment of Shy-Drager syndrome consists of relieving the symptoms that the disease presents, as this syndrome has no cure.
To control the symptoms, the following precautions can be indicated:
- Suspension of the use of diuretics Use the sitting position to sleep Increase the consumption of salt Use elastic bands on the lower limbs and abdomen, reducing the discomfort caused by tremors Use of medications, such as Seleginine, which decreases the production of dopamine Use of Fludrocortisone to increase blood pressure
It is important to emphasize that the treatment for Shy-Drager Syndrome has temporary therapeutic success and, in most cases, does not prevent the progression of the disease.
As it is a disease that is difficult to treat and has a progressive character, it is common for death to be caused by cardiac or respiratory problems.
