Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. However, patients with MSA have more widespread damage to the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls important organ functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestive system muscles, and sweating.
Alternative NamesShy-Drager syndrome; Neurologic orthostatic hypotension; Shy-McGee-Drager syndrome; Parkinson's plus syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause is unknown. MSA develops gradually and is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.
SymptomsMSA damages the nervous system, which can cause the following symptoms:
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
The health care provider may perform the following:
There are no specific tests to confirm this disease. A neurologist can make the diagnosis based on:
Testing to help confirm the diagnosis may include:
There is no cure for MSA, and there is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Anticholinergic medications may be used to reduce early or mild tremors. Levodopa may improve movement and balance.
Carbidopa may reduce the side effects of Levodopa and make it work better. However, the response to medications may be disappointing. Many people respond poorly to treatment with anticholinergics or Levodopa.
Medications that may be used to treat low blood pressure include:
A pacemaker that is programmed to stimulate the heart to beat at a rapid rate (faster than 100 beats per minute) may increase blood pressure for some people.
Constipation can be treated with a high-fiber diet and laxatives. Impotence may be treated with drugs that enhance erections.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is poor. Loss of mental and physical functions slowly get worse. Early death is likely.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.
Call your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with MSA and your symptoms return or get worse. Also call if new symptoms appear, including possible side effects of medications:
Contact your health care provider if you have a family member with this disorder and his or her condition deteriorates to the point that you are unable to care for the person at home.
ReferencesLang A. Parkinsonism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 433.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. However, patients with MSA have more widespread damage to the part of the nervous system that controls important functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.
Alternative NamesShy-Drager syndrome; Neurologic orthostatic hypotension; Shy-McGee-Drager syndrome; Parkinson's plus syndrome; MSA-P; MSA-C
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause is unknown. MSA develops gradually and is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.
SymptomsMSA damages the nervous system, which can cause the following symptoms:
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
The health care provider may perform the following:
There are no specific tests to confirm this disease. A neurologist can make the diagnosis based on:
Testing to help confirm the diagnosis may include:
There is no cure for MSA, and there is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Anticholinergic medications may be used to reduce early or mild tremors. Levodopa may improve movement and balance.
Carbidopa is usually added to Levodopa to reduce its side effects and make it work better. However, for people with MSA the response to medications may be disappointing. Many people respond poorly to treatment with anticholinergics or Levodopa.
Medications that may be used to treat low blood pressure include:
A pacemaker that is programmed to stimulate the heart to beat at a rapid rate (faster than 100 beats per minute) may increase blood pressure for some people.
Constipation can be treated with a high-fiber diet and laxatives. Impotence may be treated with drugs that enhance erections.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is poor. Loss of mental and physical functions slowly get worse. . Early death is likely. The typical survival time from the time of diagnosis is 7 to 9 years.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.
Call your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with MSA and your symptoms return or get worse. Also call if new symptoms appear, including possible side effects of medications:
Contact your health care provider if you have a family member with this disorder and his or her condition deteriorates to the point that you are unable to care for the person at home.
ReferencesJankovic J, Shannon KM. Movement disorders. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 75.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/22/2010
Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Corny Cole died on August 8, 2011, in Santa Clarita, California, USA of multiple system atrophy.
Scarlet Moon died on June 5, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil of multiple system atrophy.
They include 1) Olivo-pontine cerebellar atrophy (leading to ataxia - balance and coordination problems), 2) Shy-Drager Syndrome (autonomic system dysfunction), 3) Parkinsonism, and 4) Nigro-striatal pathway dysfunction.
Martha Kostuch died on April 23, 2008, in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada of multiple system atrophy.
The cause of MSA has not been identified. MSA occurs in the general population in a sporadic manner. The disorder is degenerative and progressively worsens.
Ben van Os died on July 2, 2012, in The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands of multiple system atrophy.
Yes it can do that, CIDP long term can turn into ALS, and MSA can start off with neuropathy symptoms and later turn into full blown MSA.
Thymus
atrophy wasting away of muscle due to lack of use
Pathology. A wasting or decrease in size of a body organ, tissue, or part owing to disease, injury, or lack of use: muscular atrophy of a person affected with paralysis.
what do you understand by multiple executive system
Multiple sclerosis affects the nervous system.