Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Multiple system atrophy

Shy-Drager syndrome; Neurologic orthostatic hypotension; Shy-McGee-Drager syndrome; Parkinson plus syndrome; MSA-P; MSA-C

 

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease . However, people 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.

Causes

 

The cause is unknown. MSA develops gradually and is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.

 

Symptoms

 

MSA damages the nervous system. Symptoms may include:

  • Face changes, such as a masklike appearance to the face and staring
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing (occasionally), not able to close the mouth
  • Disrupted sleep patterns (often during rapid eye movement [REM] sleep late at night)
  • Dizziness or fainting when standing up or after standing still
  • Frequent falls
  • Erection problems
  • Loss of control over bowels or bladder
  • Problems with activity that requires small movements (loss of fine motor skills), such as writing that is small and hard to read
  • Loss of sweating in any part of the body
  • Mild decline in mental function
  • Movement difficulties , such as loss of balance, shuffling when walking
  • Muscle aches and pains (myalgia), and stiffness
  • Nausea and problems with digestion
  • Posture problems, such as unstable, stooped, or slumped over
  • Slow movements
  • Tremors
  • Vision changes , decreased or blurred vision
  • Voice and speech changes

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

  • Confusion
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Sleep-related breathing difficulties, including  sleep apnea or a blockage in the air passage that leads to a harsh vibrating sound

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will examine you, and check your eyes, nerves, and muscles.

Your blood pressure will be taken while you are lying down and standing up.

There are no specific tests to confirm this disease. A doctor who specializes in the nervous system (neurologist) can make the diagnosis based on:

  • History of symptoms
  • Physical examination results
  • Ruling out other causes of symptoms

Testing to help confirm the diagnosis may include:

  • MRI of head
  • Plasma norepinephrine levels
  • Urine examination for norepinephrine breakdown products ( urine catecholamines )

 

Treatment

 

There is no cure for MSA. There is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

Dopaminergic medicines, such as levodopa and carbidopa, may be used to reduce early or mild tremors.

But, for many people with MSA these medicines do not work well.

Medicines may be used to treat low blood pressure.

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. Medicines are available to treat erection problems.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Outcome for MSA is poor. Loss of mental and physical functions slowly get worse. Early death is likely. People typically live 7 to 9 years after diagnosis.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Call your 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 medicines, such as:

  • Changes in alertness/behavior/mood
  • Delusional behavior
  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations
  • Involuntary movements
  • Loss of mental functioning
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe confusion or disorientation

If you have a family member with MSA and their condition declines to the point that you are unable to care for the person at home, seek advice from your family member's provider.

 

 

Open References

References

Fanciulli A, Wenning GK. Multiple system atrophy. N Engl J Med . 2015;372(3):249-263. PMID: 25587949 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25587949 .

Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 96.

 
  • Central nervous system

    Central nervous system - illustration

    The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

    Central nervous system

    illustration

    • Central nervous system

      Central nervous system - illustration

      The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

      Central nervous system

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Multiple system atrophy

         
           

          Review Date: 10/24/2016

          Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.