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.
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
- Multiple System Atrophy Fact Sheet from the National Institutes for Health (NIH), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Multiple System Atrophy Cerebellar Subtype (MSA-C) is a rare disease that causes areas deep in the brain, just above the spinal cord, to shrink (atrophy). MSA-C used to be known as olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). New
- Multiple System Atrophy Parkinsonian Type (MSA-P) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson disease. However, people with MSA-P have more widespread damage to the part of the nervous system that controls important functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NJH). Updated
- The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition® is a positive beacon of hope standing up to a little known, rare, insidious disorder. Made up of dedicated volunteers, The MSA Coalition has a primary purpose of assisting researchers to find a cure. In the meantime, The Coalition also provides much needed patient and caregiver support, educational resources, and advocacy to create awareness and to fight for issues important to the MSA community.
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