Is There a Shy-Drager Disease?

QUESTION: A member of our family has been diagnosed as having Shy-Drager
Syndrome. I have been unable to find this in any medical reference book. In
response to my questions, the doctors tell me that they are doing all they can
and that this is a very rare disease. Can you explain and tell me if there
even is such a disease?
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ANSWER: Indeed there is, and it is a rare disease. It occurs in adults,
coming on slowly and gradually. It's major problem is that the blood pressure
drops when the patient attempts to stand, but other symptoms such as visual
troubles, tremor, and muscle wasting form part of the syndrome. Although the
cause is still unknown, it is a generally progressive degenerative process of
the central nervous system, that eventually severely incapacitates the
patient. Cortisone derivatives and salt are used to try to correct the low
blood pressure, but there are no effective treatments known that can halt the
progress of the neurological changes.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.