MSA
Multiple System Atrophy Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), was first known as Shy-Drager Syndrome but is also referred to as Neurologic Orthostatic Hypotension, Shy-McGee-Drager Syndrome, and Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome. MSA is a rare degenerative condition that causes symptoms similiar to Parkinson’s Disease. However, patients with MSA have more widespread damage to the autonomomic nervous system. The cause of MSA is unknown. It can progress slowly or swiftly and there is no remission from MSA.
MSA is characterized by a combination of the following:
- Progressive damage to the nervous system which leads to low blood pressure upon standing, difficulty urinating and abnormal breathing during sleep.
- Muscle tremor, rigidity, and slow movement
- Slow movement
- Disrupted REM sleep pattern
- Poor coordination/ unsteady walking
Symptoms may include:
- dizziness or fainting when arising or after standing still
- impotence in men
- loss of sweating of any part of the body
- loss of control of the bowels or bladder
- vision changes, decreased or blurred vision
- muscle rigidity, stiffness, difficulty bending arms and legs
- posture difficulties such as being unstable, stooped or slumped over
- movement difficulties, loss of balance, abnormal gait, shuffling
- slow movements
- difficulty beginning to walk or in initiating any voluntary movement
- small steps followed by the need to run to maintain balance
- freezing of movement when the movement is stopped, unable to resume movement
- muscle aches and pains
- tremors
- changes in facial expression
- voice and speech changes
- difficulty chewing or swallowing
- loss of fine motor skills
- frequent falls
- mild decline in intellectual function
- confusion
- dementia
There is NO cure for MSA.
More Information on MSA Coming Soon
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