How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Shy Drager Syndrome
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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560502/Multiple system atrophy/Shy-Drager syndrome. (n.d.).
vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/multiple-system-atrophyshy-drager-syndromeMultiple system atrophy fact sheet. (2022).
ninds.nih.gov/multiple-system-atrophy-fact-sheetMultiple system atrophy. (n.d.).
rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/The history of multiple system atrophy. (2019).
multiplesystematrophy.org/about-msa/history-multiple-system-atrophy-formerly-shy-drager-syndrome-sds/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Rachael Zimlich Edited By Mike Hoskins Medically Reviewed By Angelica Balingit, MD Copy Edited By Connor Rice Share this articleMedically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN on September 19, 2022
Shy Drager Syndrome How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN on September 19, 2022Shy Drager syndrome was the name for the condition now known as multiple system atrophy (MSA), a neurological condition first recognized in the 1960s. It was traditionally diagnosed when someone began to lose control and coordination over a range of body systems, including: movementblood pressureurinationbreathingswallowing This article will explore what MSA is, why the name was changed, and how to tell this condition apart from so many other neurological diseases.What is Shy Drager syndrome
MSA is a neurodegenerative condition that causes you to slowly lose control and coordination over a range of body systems. It was first recognized in the 1960s by Dr. Milton Shy of the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Glen Drager of the Baylor College of Medicine. Back then, orthostatic hypotension was believed to be the primary problem. As time went on and knowledge about this syndrome increased, its description and name were updated to better reflect the scope of the disease.Who Gets Shy Drager syndrome
MSA is a rare neurological disease. It often appears in people around age 60, and men are twice as likely to develop the condition as women. Overall, there are only about 0.6 to 0.7 new cases of MSA per 100,000 people each year. Of the two subgroups of MSA that are now recognized, MSA-C is more commonly found in Japan, whereas MSA-P is the variety most often diagnosed in Western countries.Why is MSA no longer called Shy Drager syndrome
The name Shy Drager Syndrome was changed to MSA in 1998 after a consensus statement was published that clearly defined the broad spectrum of effects the condition could have. The paper outlined specific diagnostic criteria for the condition and suggested the name change to better reflect the way the disease originates. In addition to the name change, the 1998 paper also categorized the condition into two subgroups.MSA-P: features more parkinsonian symptoms like tremors, rigid muscles, and movement problemsMSA-C: has more cerebellar features, like coordination problems alongside speech or vision difficultiesWhat are the signs and symptoms of Shy Drager syndrome
As described in the revised name, multiple system atrophy, atrophy is the hallmark symptom of MSA. There’s a wide range of effects when it comes to MSA, based on the severity of the condition and what areas of the body are most impacted. About half of the people with this condition become wheelchair-bound due to a progressive lack of motor skills within 5 to 6 years of diagnosis. Some of the symptoms reported with MSA include:fatigueweaknessblurred visionproblems with bowel or bladder controlincontinenceerectile dysfunctionconstipationdry skin Eventually, most people with this condition progress to some degree of autonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis may further be categorized based on unique symptoms, and what body systems are affected. As mentioned above, MSA-P has a similar presentation as Parkinson’s disease, with symptoms like:slowed voluntary movementsmuscle stiffnesspoor balancejerking movements in the hands or fingers About 90% of all people with MSA will experience MSA-P symptoms. The one symptom that’s common in Parkinson’s disease that’s rarely seen in MSA-P is the “pill-rolling” resting tremor. This is seen in less than 10% of people with MSA-P. Cerebellar symptoms, which impact about 20% of people with MSA, include things like:uncoordinated voluntary movementsprogressive balance lossslurred speechjerkiness to eye movements Other symptoms that can appear in either type of MSA include:exaggerated reflexesincreased muscle tonemuscle spasmscurvature of the spinenoisy or hoarse breathing (stridor)sleep disorderscognitive problemsIs Shy Drager syndrome hereditary
Researchers aren’t really sure what causes MSA, but there appear to be some links in both environmental and genetic factors. Specifically, alterations in the alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene may play a role in the development of MSA, but more research is needed to fully understand the condition.How do you diagnose Shy Drager syndrome
If your healthcare professional suspects you have a neurologic disorder like MSA, diagnosis will start with a review of your personal and family medical history, and what symptoms you’re experiencing. Some other possible testing methods that might be used include:autonomic testingbladder function testsmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brainpositron emission tomography (PET) scan of the brain Another test — which is more of a medication challenge — is a trial of levodopa. Levodopa is a medication often used to treat Parkinson’s disease. If your doctor prescribes it to you and you have little to no improvement, this is often a sign that you have MSA. The only true “gold standard” testing that can be done to confirm an MSA diagnosis, though, is post-mortem testing. This is done by testing the buildup of certain substances and structural changes in your brain tissue after you die.Treatment for Shy Drager syndrome
Currently, there’s no standard treatment for MSA. Most treatments and medications offered for MSA focus on symptoms management and can include things like:ropinirole, pramipexole, or amantadine to control movements or tremorsmidodrine to help increase blood pressureoxybutynin, desmopressin, or catheterization for urinary problemssildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil for impotencespeech therapyfeeding support or supplementsrespiratory support with CPAP or tracheostomyOutlook
The overall outlook for people with MSA is poor, and the condition is often fatal within a decade. How quickly the disease progresses and how severe your symptoms depend in part on how old you were at the time of diagnosis. People who develop symptoms later in life are female, fall a lot, or who have severe autonomic symptoms usually have the highest mortality rates.Takeaway
While it can be difficult to diagnose MSA and even more difficult to treat it, it’s a disease that usually doesn’t appear until your sixth decade of life or later. Many conditions share the same symptoms as MSA, and an official diagnosis may never be made. Talk with your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing problems with movement or balance, or if you often become dizzy when you stand. Last medically reviewed on September 19, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Fecek C, Nagalli S. (2022). Shy Drager syndrome.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560502/Multiple system atrophy/Shy-Drager syndrome. (n.d.).
vumc.org/autonomic-dysfunction-center/multiple-system-atrophyshy-drager-syndromeMultiple system atrophy fact sheet. (2022).
ninds.nih.gov/multiple-system-atrophy-fact-sheetMultiple system atrophy. (n.d.).
rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/The history of multiple system atrophy. (2019).
multiplesystematrophy.org/about-msa/history-multiple-system-atrophy-formerly-shy-drager-syndrome-sds/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 19, 2022 By Rachael Zimlich Edited By Mike Hoskins Medically Reviewed By Angelica Balingit, MD Copy Edited By Connor Rice Share this articleMedically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN on September 19, 2022