Living with Multiple system atrophy
A progressive brain condition that affects movement, balance, and body functions like blood pressure, usually starting in adulthood.
Understanding Multiple system atrophy
The autonomic nervous system controls body functions we don't think about, like blood pressure. There are two main types. MSA-P mostly causes slow movement, stiff muscles, and tremors. MSA-C mostly causes poor coordination and balance, and can cause speech problems. It usually appears in older adults, on average around age 55, and gets worse over time.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Blood pressure drop when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
- Bladder problems
- Balance problems and frequent falls
- Trouble coordinating walking (gait ataxia)
- Slurred or hard-to-form speech (dysarthria)
- Constipation
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Defeat MSA Alliance, CurePSP and Dysautonomia International may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Defeat MSA Alliance, CurePSP, Dysautonomia International
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Defeat MSA Alliance and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: msa; msa - multiple system atrophy; multisystem atrophy; shy-drager syndrome
Patient organizations
- Defeat MSA AllianceMultiple system atrophy · United States
- CurePSPMultiple system atrophy · United States
- Dysautonomia InternationalMultiple system atrophy · United States
- Mission MSAMultiple system atrophy · United States
- Multiple System Atrophy Research ConsortiumMultiple system atrophy · United States
- Parkinson's FoundationMultiple system atrophy · United States
- Dysautonomia Support NetworkMultiple system atrophy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Multiple system atrophy.
Explore research for Multiple system atrophy
Explore actively recruiting Multiple system atrophy studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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