Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA)
Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) is also known as Shy-Drager Syndrome. According to the American Autonomic Society, Multiple System Atrophy is a sporadic, progressive, adult-onset disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction, parkinsonism and ataxia (a failure of muscular coordination) in any combination. It involves symptoms affecting movement, blood pressure, and other bodily functions such as breathing, swallowing, and urinary function.
MSA is rare, extremely serious, and fatal. It mainly affects men later in life, and is closely associated with Parkinson's disease. Multiple Systems Atrophy is also associated with deterioration and shrinkage of portions of the brain that regulate internal body functions, digestion and motor control. Some of the main symptoms include a drop in blood pressure upon standing (causing lightheadedness, fainting, and blurred vision), urinary incontinence, difficulty with speech, and loss of motor control.
MSA is very difficult to diagnose, and often is mistaken for Pure Autonomic Failure. It also can occur with (secondary to) Parkinson's, and the clinical presentations can be similar.
A clinical trial of the drug Rifampicin is being conducted by the Autonomic Disorders Consortium. Click here to find details about how to become a Vanderbilt ADC Research Volunteer and about ongoing studies designed to better understand this disorder.
For more detailed information and resources about MSA:
- The Autonomic Disorders Consortium
- The Vanderbilt University Autonomic Disorders Consortium
- The Mayo Clinic
- Multiple System Atrophy Fact Sheet (from the National Institutes of Health)
MSA Support Groups
- Shydrager · Multiple System Atrophy Support Group
- SDS/MSA Support Group Organization
- Multiple System Atrophy Awareness
Other MSA Resources
Sources:
1. Premotor signs and symptoms of multiple system atrophy. Jecmenica-Lukic M, Poewe W, Tolosa E, Wenning GK. Lancet Neurol. 2012 Apr;11(4):361-8. Epub 2012 Mar 19.
2. The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy. Ahmed Z, Asi YT, Sailer A, Lees AJ, Houlden H, Revesz T, Holton JL. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 2012 Feb;38(1):4-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2011.01234.x.
3. Multiple system atrophy: a clinical and neuropathological perspective. Ubhi K, Low P, Masliah E. Trends Neurosci. 2011 Nov;34(11):581-90. Epub 2011 Sep 29.
4. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in MSA and Parkinson's disease: similarities and differences. Iodice V, Low DA, Vichayanrat E, Mathias CJ. J Neurol Sci. 2011 Nov 15;310(1-2):133-8. Epub 2011 Aug 16.
5. Multiple system atrophy: current and future approaches to management. Flabeau O, Meissner WG, Tison F. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2010 Jul;3(4):249-63.
6. Second consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Gilman S, Wenning GK, Low PA, Brooks DJ, Mathias CJ, Trojanowski JQ, Wood NW, Colosimo C, Dürr A, Fowler CJ, Kaufmann H, Klockgether T, Lees A, Poewe W, Quinn N, Revesz T, Robertson D, Sandroni P, Seppi K, Vidailhet M. Neurology. 2008 Aug 26;71(9):670-6.
7. Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center
8. National Institute of Health Rare Disease Network Autonomic Disorders Consortium
Originally written by Claire Martin, President of Dysautonomia SOS