| Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) is the name of a | | | | women. Its symptoms usually start in the fifth decade |
| family of progressive neurodegenerative diseases | | | | of life. Most people affected by this syndrome do not |
| previously known as Shy Drager Syndrome, Sporadic | | | | live more than ten years. |
| Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy and Striatonigral | | | | Once the symptoms begin, there is no remission. |
| Degeneration. | | | | There is no known treatment up to the date this |
| Multiple Systems Atrophy is characterized by failure of | | | | review was written. Drugs that are used to treat |
| the autonomic nervous system which causes different | | | | Parkinson symptoms can be of help (levodopa and |
| symptoms: | | | | others); however, striatonigral degeneration does not |
| - Orthostatic Hypotension | | | | respond well. |
| - Erectile Dysfunction | | | | When people develop dysphagia or any other |
| - Constipation or Diarrhea | | | | problems that limit their capacity to swallow, the a |
| - Neurogenic Bladder | | | | feeding tube can be used. Sometimes even surgery |
| - Lightheadedness | | | | can help with a Gastrostomy to avoid the |
| - Dysphagia | | | | complications associated with feeding tubes. |
| The other symptoms are of the extrapiramidal system: | | | | Some people even develop breathing difficulties due to |
| - Parkinson-Like Tremor | | | | muscle rigidity, Dystonia, and continuous |
| - Rigidity | | | | bronchoaspiration. When these problems occur, a |
| - Dysarthria | | | | tracheostomy is advised. |
| - Ataxia | | | | When they have neurogenic bladder, a catheter must |
| - Apraxia | | | | be used to ensure urinary flow or they could develop |
| And there are also symptoms associated with the | | | | kidney disease. |
| cognition areas of the brain: | | | | All of these factors can lead to infections which are |
| - Dementia | | | | the main cause of death amongst these patients. |
| Multiple Systems Atrophy affects both men and | | | | |