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Which are the symptoms of Multiple Systems Atrophy?

See the worst symptoms of affected by Multiple Systems Atrophy here

Multiple Systems Atrophy symptoms

Symptoms of Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA)


Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects multiple systems in the body. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms that can vary from person to person. MSA is often misdiagnosed initially as Parkinson's disease due to the similarity in some symptoms. However, MSA progresses more rapidly and has distinct features that differentiate it from Parkinson's disease.



Autonomic Dysfunction


One of the hallmark features of MSA is autonomic dysfunction, which refers to the impairment of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions. This can manifest in various ways:



  • Orthostatic hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

  • Urinary problems: Difficulty in initiating or stopping urination, frequent urination, or urinary incontinence.

  • Constipation: Chronic constipation that is often resistant to treatment.

  • Sexual dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido in both men and women.

  • Sweating abnormalities: Excessive sweating or lack of sweating.



Movement and Motor Symptoms


MSA also affects movement and motor control, leading to various symptoms:



  • Parkinsonism: Many individuals with MSA experience parkinsonian symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and tremors. However, these symptoms tend to be less responsive to Parkinson's medications compared to Parkinson's disease itself.

  • Ataxia: Lack of coordination and balance difficulties, resulting in unsteady gait, clumsiness, and frequent falls.

  • Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements and abnormal postures.

  • Muscle rigidity: Stiffness and resistance to movement in the limbs.

  • Speech and swallowing difficulties: Slurred speech, soft voice, and problems with swallowing (dysphagia).



Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms


While MSA primarily affects the motor and autonomic systems, it can also lead to cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms:



  • Cognitive impairment: Some individuals with MSA may experience difficulties with memory, attention, and executive functions.

  • Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common in MSA.

  • Sleep disorders: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which involves acting out dreams, is frequently observed in MSA.



Other Symptoms


Additionally, MSA can present with other symptoms that impact various bodily systems:



  • Respiratory problems: Breathing difficulties, including sleep apnea and stridor (noisy breathing).

  • Cardiovascular issues: Irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, and other cardiac abnormalities.

  • Temperature regulation: Problems with regulating body temperature, leading to intolerance to heat or cold.

  • Vision problems: Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and sensitivity to light.

  • Swallowing difficulties: Dysphagia can lead to choking, aspiration, and an increased risk of pneumonia.



It is important to note that the progression and severity of symptoms can vary significantly among individuals with MSA. Some individuals may experience predominantly motor symptoms, while others may have more pronounced autonomic dysfunction. Early diagnosis and management of symptoms are crucial in improving the quality of life for individuals with MSA.


Diseasemaps
7 answers
Loss of mobility in body

Posted Jul 7, 2017 by Harold 200
Slurred speech, stiff body, neck pain

Posted Jul 9, 2017 by Mary 1000
There are many symptoms that patients with multiple system atrophy find difficult to manage. Urinary tract infections are common and are due to incomplete bladder emptying. Many people fall due to incoordination or they faint due to low blood pressure when standing which can lead to broken bones or head injuries. Using a walker or wheelchair can keep the patient safer. Sleep apnea and REM behavior disorder can disrupt sleep for both the patient and their bed partner. These symptoms can be treated to improve quality of life.

Posted Jul 11, 2017 by Pam Bower 2952
Los of the ability to speak
Loss of the ability to walk

Posted Jan 4, 2018 by Jan 1500
Orthostatic Hypotension is a key symptom, along with weakness on one side. Resting tremor, erectile dysfunction, urinary retension, all are considered indicative of this diagnosis. Perhaps the most important term (encompasing some of the above) is autonomic failure.

Posted Mar 23, 2018 by [email protected] 3020
Translated from spanish Improve translation
At the start you have frequent falls, usually associated with low sudden pressure, From the beginning the patient appears to have depression. As it increases the disease the person loses mobility, acquires position "tower of pisa" that is to say, they remain inclined to one side-usually the right - is presented urinary incontinence, estreñímiento, difficulty swallowing, salivacion excessive and atragantamientos

Posted May 10, 2017 by Lorena 1000

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Find people with Multiple Systems Atrophy through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Multiple Systems Atrophy community.

Stories of Multiple Systems Atrophy

MULTIPLE SYSTEMS ATROPHY STORIES
Multiple Systems Atrophy stories
I was a carer to my sister Maureen who passed away from MSA in April 2014. I am more than happy to talk to anyone re: this disease (Multiple System Atrophy) & point them in the right direction for further information, or to just lend an ear if someon...
Multiple Systems Atrophy stories
It didn't seem like much of a disease when it started. I was in my 50s when dizziness arrived, not occasional dizzy spells but an almost constant sense of being on the deck of a boat. I began to stumble once in a while, and later on I had trouble sta...
Multiple Systems Atrophy stories
My story is really my family's story. In 2010, after a year or so of steadily more frequent falls and dropping things and such. Many different Doctor appointments and being told, "You drink too much", "You abused your body too much when you were you...
Multiple Systems Atrophy stories
My mom , Khadija , was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011 due to difficulty in fine movements like inserting a key into the keyhole in the car. Mom was not responsive to medications prescribed by her neurologists nor did she have a unilateral...
Multiple Systems Atrophy stories
THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL DURING MY CHILDHOOD, OTHER THAN BEING THE OLDEST CHILD WITH TWO ALCOHOLIC PARENTS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT ENTAILS. AS A YOUNG ADULT I PUT MYSELF IS A HIGH STRESS LIFESTYLE. A YOUNG DIVORCEE SINGLE MOM WORKING MULTIPLE J...

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Multiple Systems Atrophy forum

MULTIPLE SYSTEMS ATROPHY FORUM
Multiple Systems Atrophy forum
Does anyone with MSA experience the sensation like you are "bobbing up and down" on a boat?  I experience this most of the time.  It tends to lessen by standing up or laying down!  If so, do you know what it is?   
Multiple Systems Atrophy forum
Anyone with this? Hoe is it? https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02388295?term=msa&rank=4
Multiple Systems Atrophy forum
Thanks for adding your marker to the World MSA map. If you know others from the various MSA forums please encourage them to do the same. Did you know... A 57 page booklet of MSA information is available to download from the MSA Coalition website.&nbs...
Multiple Systems Atrophy forum
When: October 14 - 15, 2016 Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Register now and get your FREE ticket at Http://www.MultipleSystemAtrophy.org Tentative Conference Schedule Many thanks to this year’s medical host, David Houghton, M...
Multiple Systems Atrophy forum
Chicago and area MSA support group meeting April 17th 2-4PM Goodwill Crystal Lake - 1016 Central Park Drive, Crystal Lake, IL. Contact John Standley [email protected] 815-403-2221

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