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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Shy-Drager syndrome
  • Orthostatic hypotension, bladder and bowel incontinence, anhidrosis, iris atrophy, amyotrophy, ataxia, rigidity and tremor
  • Multiple system atrophy with autonomic failure
Home > Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) > Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension



Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension
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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). 2007 Available at: 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. 2010 Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1154583-overview. Accessed October 6, 2010.
  3. Multiple system atrophy. MedlinePlus. 2008 Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000757.htm. Accessed October 6, 2010.
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For more information about Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension click on the boxes below:
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More Detailed Information (Found 7 resources)
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  • General

    • 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.
    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
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Organizations (Found 9 resources)
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  • Social Networking Websites

    • DNAandU.org is a Web site and blog that collects firsthand stories from people facing issues, making tough decisions, and using genomic (DNA) information in their own healthcare.  Click on the link to learn from their experiences and/or submit your own story.

    • Madisons Foundation
      P.O. Box 241956
      Los Angeles, CA 90024
      Telephone: 310-264-0826
      Fax: 310-264-4766
      E-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org  
      Web site: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/  
    • RareConnect is an online social network for patients and families to connect with one another and share their experience living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Click on the link above to view the community for Multiple system atrophy.
    • RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders.
 
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Services (Found 2 resources)
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    • Many individuals want to know about healthcare professionals or researchers who have knowledge of their conditions. When a condition is rare, it can be difficult to find someone who has seen many cases. Although there is no list of experts in rare diseases, GARD's How to Find an Expert fact sheet provides several ways to identify healthcare professionals who have experience with a particular condition. Click on the link to access this resource and learn more.

  • Parent Resources

    • The Parent Technical Assistance Center Network provides a list of the Parent Training and Information Centers in each state. These centers are funded by the United States Department of Education to provide early intervention and special education information and training to parents of children with disabilities from birth to age 26. Click on the link to find the Parent Center in your state.
 
Scientific Conferences (Found 2 resources)
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  • Past Conferences

    • RDCRN 3rd Conference on Clinical Research for Rare Diseases, October 2, 2012
      Location: Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Rockville, MD
      Description: Clinical research in rare diseases presents a number of challenges and unique issues that are not usually considered in the training of clinical investigators through existing training programs. Goals of the conference include: direct instruction of trainees and new investigators in rare disease research methodology; development of a reusable curriculum/syllabus on rare disease research methodology; and stimulation of ideas regarding the unique issues facing investigators engaged in the study of rare diseases.
    • VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010): Global Approach to Accessibility in Rare Diseases, Orphan Drugs and Neglected Diseases , March 18, 2010 - March 20, 2010
      Location: Palais Rouge Convention Center, Palermo, Buenos Aires
      Description: For the first time, the VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010) was convened in the southern hemisphere in agreement with its aim of globalization of rare diseases research and orphan products development activities.
 
Clinical Trials & Research (Found 3 resources)
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    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Multiple system atrophy (MSA) with orthostatic hypotension. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.
    • NIH Clinical Trials and You is a website developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help people learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate.
  • Patient Registry

    • ResearchMatch is a free national research registry designed to bring together patients, healthy volunteers and researchers. Anyone from the United States can register with ResearchMatch, and a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker may register on behalf of a volunteer. Researchers from participating institutions use the ResearchMatch database to search for patients or healthy volunteers who meet the study criteria. Many studies are looking for healthy people of all ages, while some are looking for people with specific illnesses. ResearchMatch was developed by major academic institutions across the country and is funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

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