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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffDoctors often advise using certain self-care measures to help minimize symptoms associated with multiple system atrophy, such as:
- Take steps to raise your blood pressure. Add a little salt to the diet and drink more fluids. Salt and fluids can increase blood volume and thus raise your blood pressure. Drink coffee and other caffeinated fluids to raise your blood pressure.
- Elevate the head of your bed. Raising the head of your bed to about a 30-degree angle will minimize increases in blood pressure when you sleep. Get up slowly from a reclining position.
- Make dietary changes. Add more fiber to your diet in order to ease constipation. You may also benefit from over-the-counter laxatives. Avoid alcohol, and consume small meals.
- Avoid getting too hot. Stay in air-conditioned rooms on very hot days. Avoid excessive amounts of heat in the bathroom when bathing.
- Wear elastic support stockings up to your waist. This can help keep your blood pressure from dropping.
References
- Santamaria J, et al. Multiple system atrophy and sleep. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2008;3:337.
- Wein AJ. Lower urinary tract dysfunction in neurologic injury and disease. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-5/841660509/1445/62.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50061-3_4358. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Siddique N, et al. Degenerative neuropathies. In: Goetz GG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-6/0/1488/307.html?tocnode=53803248&fromURL=307.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10036-0_2717. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Gilman S, et al. Second consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Neurology. 2008;71:670.
- Saper CB. Autonomic disorders and their management. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-7/841660962/1492/1482.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50450-X_18987. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Bhidayasiri R, et al. Multiple system atrophy. The Neurologist. 2008;14:224.
- Low PA, et al. Management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: An update. The Lancet Neurology. 2008;7:451.
- NINDS multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed May 14, 2009.
