Shy-Drager Syndrome
Alternate Names : Shy-McGee-Drager Syndrome, Neurological Orthostatic Hypotension
How is the disease diagnosed?
The first step in the diagnosis of
Shy-Drager syndrome is a complete medical history and full neurologic exam.
The healthcare provider may then order tests, such as:
an electroencephalogram, or EEG to study the electrical pathways in the brain
cranial CT scan to check for
abnormalities in the brain structures
blood and urine tests to measure levels of chemicals involved in nerve
transmission
The healthcare provider will also check the person's vital signs, such as pulse and blood pressure. These findings are often abnormal in a person with
Shy-Drager syndrome. Orthostatic
hypotension, which is an inability to maintain an adequate blood
pressure while changing body positions, will be present in someone with
Shy-Drager syndrome. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness,
fainting, and injury.
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