Multiple system atrophy (MSA)


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurological disorder that impairs your body's involuntary (autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and digestion. Formerly called Shy-Drager syndrome, the condition shares many Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and poor balance.

Multiple system atrophy is a degenerative disease that develops in adulthood, usually in the 50s or 60s, and affects more men than women. The condition progresses gradually and eventually leads to death.

Treatment for MSA includes medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms.

Symptoms
References
  1. Factor SA, et al. Multiple system atrophy: Prognosis and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed March 22, 2011.
  2. Stefanova N, et al. Multiple system atrophy: An update. Lancet Neurology. 2009;8:1172.
  3. Multiple system atrophy. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec16/ch208/ch208d.html. Accessed April 5, 2011.
  4. Factor SA, et al. Multiple system atrophy: Clinical features and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed April 6, 2011.
  5. NINDS multiple system atrophy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa/msa.htm. Accessed April 5, 2011.
  6. NINDS multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed April 5, 2011
  7. Gilman S, et al. Second consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Neurology. 2008;71:670.
DS00989 July 2, 2011

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