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Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension

Other Names for this Disease
  • Multiple system atrophy with autonomic failure
  • Orthostatic hypotension, bladder and bowel incontinence, anhidrosis, iris atrophy, amyotrophy, ataxia, rigidity and tremor
  • Shy-Drager syndrome
More Names
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Overview


Multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension is the current classification for a neurological disorder that was once called Shy-Drager syndrome. A progressive disorder of the central and autonomic nervous systems, it is characterized by orthostatic hypotension (an excessive drop in blood pressure when standing up) which causes dizziness or fainting. Multiple system atrophy can occur without orthostatic hypotension, but it is rare. Doctors classify the disorder into 3 types: the Parkinsonian-type includes symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as slow movement, stiff muscles, and tremor; the cerebellar-type, which causes problems with coordination and speech; and the combined-type, which includes symptoms of both parkinsonism and cerebellar failure.[1] The cause of multiple system atrophy is unknown, although environmental toxins, trauma, and genetic factors have been suggested.[2] There is no cure for this condition, and there is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.[3] 

References

  1. NINDS Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed October 6, 2010.
  2. Diedrich A, Robertson D. Multiple System Atrophy. eMedicine. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1154583-overview. Accessed October 6, 2010.
  3. Multiple system atrophy. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000757.htm. Accessed October 6, 2010.
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General Information

  • MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
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  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
  • The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.