What is multiple system atrophy

Most often, the first clinical symptom a patient will note will be lightheadedness, dizziness, and episodes of passing out, but the first symptoms in some patients may include difficulty initiating movement, body stiffness, urinary incontinence, and increased falls.

The autonomic nervous system is essential for controlling blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, urination, and sexual function, so MSA is largely a disease that impairs the autonomic nervous system. The journey to a diagnosis can be long and difficult. One of the most important symptoms in MSA patients is the presence of sleeping abnormalities such as snoring and apnea, stridor, and acting out dreams.

The diagnosis of MSA is made clinically, and neuroimaging can sometimes assist with confirmation of a clinical suspicion. All Rights Reserved. Support Hotline: info multiplesystematrophy. Treatment includes medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms, but there is no cure. The condition progresses gradually and eventually leads to death.

Multiple system atrophy MSA affects many parts of your body. Symptoms typically develop in adulthood, usually in the 50s or 60s. MSA is classified by two types: parkinsonian and cerebellar. The type depends on the symptoms you have at diagnosis. This is the most common type of MSA. The signs and symptoms are similar to those of Parkinson's disease, such as:.

The main signs and symptoms are problems with muscle coordination ataxia , but others may include:. You can also develop dangerously high blood pressure levels while lying down supine hypertension. MSA might cause other difficulties with involuntary autonomic body functions, including:. If you develop any of the signs and symptoms associated with multiple system atrophy, see your doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis. If you've already been diagnosed with the condition, contact your doctor if new symptoms occur or if existing symptoms worsen.

There's no known cause for multiple system atrophy MSA. Some researchers are studying a possible inherited component or involvement of an environmental toxin in the disease process, but there's no substantial evidence to support these theories.

These symptoms are typical of Parkinson's disease but, unfortunately, the medicine used to relieve them in people with Parkinson's disease levodopa is not very effective for people with MSA. It does not appear to be inherited — there's no evidence that an affected person's children will develop it. Research is looking at whether family history and the environment play a role in your chances of getting MSA. The brain cells of a person with MSA contain a protein called alpha-synuclein.

A build-up of abnormal alpha-synuclein is thought to be responsible for damaging areas of the brain that control balance, movement and the body's normal functions.

A diagnosis can usually be made based on the symptoms, although it can potentially be confused with Parkinson's disease. If MSA is suspected, a doctor usually a neurologist will test the person's reflexes and normal bodily functions, such as their bladder function and blood pressure. A brain scan, usually an MRI scan , is often needed to detect any loss of brain cells.

People with the condition typically live for 6 to 9 years after their symptoms start and may get worse quickly during this time. Some people may live for more than 10 years after being diagnosed. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help people with MSA stay mobile and maintain their fitness and muscle strength.

Your local authority can carry out a carer's assessment to assess your needs and determine the help and support you're entitled to. Find out more about carer's assessments. If you have MSA and are finding coping with day-to-day life difficult, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a social worker. Frequency Multiple system atrophy has a prevalence of 2 to 5 per , people.

Causes Multiple system atrophy is a complex condition that is likely caused by the interaction of multiple genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Inheritance Most cases of multiple system atrophy are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.

Research Studies from ClinicalTrials. Genetic variants of the alpha-synuclein gene SNCA are associated with multiple system atrophy. PLoS One. Multiple-system atrophy.

N Engl J Med. Multiple system atrophy: the application of genetics in understanding etiology. Clin Auton Res. Epub Feb Second consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Natural history of multiple system atrophy in the USA: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Neurol.