NINDS Striatonigral Degeneration Information Page

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What is Striatonigral Degeneration?

Striatonigral degeneration is a neurological disorder caused by a disruption in the connection between two areas of the brain-the striatum and the substantia nigra. These two areas work together to enable balance and movement. Striatonigral degeneration is a type of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Symptoms of the disorder resemble some of those seen in Parkinson's disease, including rigidity, instability, impaired speech, and slow movements.

Is there any treatment?

There is no cure for striatonigral degeneration, and treatments for the disorder have variable success. Treatments used for Parkinson's disease are recommended. However, unlike Parkinson's disease, striatonigral degeneration is not responsive to levodopa. Dopamine and anticholinergics provide some benefit. Generally, treatment is reevaluated as the disorder progresses.

What is the prognosis?

Striatonigral degeneration progresses slowly. Some patients have normal life expectancy.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports and conducts research on disorders of the brain and nervous system such as striatonigral degeneration. This research focuses on finding ways to prevent and treat these disorders.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Striatonigral Degeneration Clinical Trials

Organizations

WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders)
204 West 84th Street
New York, NY   10024
wemove@wemove.org
http://www.wemove.org
Tel: 212-875-8312
Fax: 212-875-8389

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT   06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

American Parkinson Disease Association
135 Parkinson Avenue
Staten Island, NY   10305-1425
apda@apdaparkinson.org
http://www.apdaparkinson.org
Tel: 718-981-8001 800-223-2732 Calif: 800-908-2732
Fax: 718-981-4399

National Parkinson Foundation
1501 N.W. 9th Avenue
Bob Hope Road
Miami, FL   33136-1494
contact@parkinson.org
http://www.parkinson.org
Tel: 305-243-6666 800-327-4545
Fax: 305-243-5595

Parkinson's Action Network (PAN)
1025 Vermont Ave., NW
Suite 1120
Washington, DC   20005
info@parkinsonsaction.org
http://www.parkinsonsaction.org
Tel: 800-850-4726 202-638-4101
Fax: 202-638-7257

Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)
1359 Broadway
Suite 1509
New York, NY   10018
info@pdf.org
http://www.pdf.org
Tel: 212-923-4700 800-457-6676
Fax: 212-923-4778

Shy-Drager/Multiple System Atrophy Support Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 279
Coupland, TX   78615
http://www.shy-drager.org
Tel: 866-SDS-4999 (737-4999)
Fax: 512-251-3315

 


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated February 14, 2007