Striatonigral Degeneration Treatment & Management
- Author: Paula K Rauschkolb, DO; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD more...
Medical Care
Response to anti-parkinsonian medications is sub-optimal at best for treatment of multiple system atrophy; however, it remains the treatment of choice in the absence of better options. Other medical therapies used in multiple system atrophy target associated symptoms (eg, orthostatic hypotension). See Medication and In/Out Patient Meds below.
Surgical Care
Currently, no surgical treatment is appropriate for multiple system atrophy. Because it can be difficult to clinically distinguish multiple system atrophy from Parkinson disease, there are cases of multiple system atrophy patients undergoing placement of deep brain stimulators. The outcomes have generally been poor, even in patients who responded well to levodopa therapy.[11]
Consultations
- Neurology
- Sleep medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Psychiatry or counseling
Diet
Unless there are contraindications, patients with symptomatic postural hypotension may benefit from increased salt intake.
Activity
Patients with symptomatic postural hypotension should be advised to avoid activities or environments that produce excessive vagal stimulation or vasodilation (eg, extreme heat, overeating, straining at stool) and to rise slowly and carefully from seated or recumbent positions.
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