Progression and Complications
The progression of Shy-Drager syndrome is typically rapid, although the rate may vary among individuals. Unlike some diseases, it does not go into a state of remission and can ultimately give rise to serious complications that jeopardize one’s life. Falls and episodes of fainting become more frequent, increasing the risk of injuries. Many individuals with this syndrome also experience breathing abnormalities during sleep. The progressive loss of mobility can lead to secondary problems such as skin breakdown, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, as the autonomic dysfunction worsens, organ failure may occur.
Causes
The exact cause of Shy-Drager syndrome remains unknown, despite ongoing research by physicians and researchers. One of the reasons for this is that the disease seems to occur randomly without any specific triggers. However, there is some understanding among physicians that the disorder is characterized by the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the glial cells that support the brain’s nerve cells. Interestingly, similar accumulations of this protein are also found in Parkinson’s disease, but in the nerve cells themselves. This suggests that the alpha-synuclein protein may hold the key to understanding the causes of both diseases.