Multiple System Atrophy(MSA)
Multiple-system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative neurological disorder. It is related to the degeneration of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain, which causes disorders with movement, balance, and other autonomic functions of the body such as bladder control or blood-pressure regulation. No certain risk factors or cause of MSA has been identified yet. Men in the late 50s to early 60s are more likely to suffer the disease.
Symptoms
MSA is characterized by a combination of parkinsonism, autonomic dysfunction, and ataxia (Poor coordination / unsteady walking). As the disease progresses three groups of symptoms predominate, the symptoms would be:
- Parkinsonism (slow, stiff movement, writing becomes small and spidery)
- Cerebellar dysfunction (difficulty coordinating movement and balance)
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction (impaired automatic body functions)
- postural or orthostatic hypotension, resulting in dizziness or fainting upon standing up
- urinary incontinence or urinary retention
- impotence
- constipation
- vocal cord paralysis
- dry mouth and skin
- trouble regulating body temperature due to sweating deficiency in all parts of the body
- loud snoring, abnormal breathing or inspiratory stridor during sleep
- other sleep disorders including sleep apnea, REM Behavior Disorder
- double vision can occur
Not all patients experience all of these symptoms. A study says only 20% of patients experience major cognitive impairment as a result of MSA.