Definition. Multiple system atrophy-
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurological disease that causes certain brain areas to deteriorate. Over time, this disrupts abilities and functions handled by those brain areas. This disease is ultimately fatal.
Symptoms tend to appear in a person's 50s and advance rapidly over the course of five to 10 years, with progressive loss of motor function and eventual confinement to bed. People with MSA often develop pneumonia in later stages of the disease.
During the final stages of the disease, patients have trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.
People typically live about 7 to 10 years after multiple system atrophy symptoms first appear. However, the survival rate with MSA varies widely. Death is often due to respiratory problems, infections or blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with a mean survival of 6–10 years from disease onset1.
The progression of MSA varies, but the condition does not go into remission. As the disorder progresses, daily activities become more difficult. Possible complications include: Breathing problems during sleep.
Appetite reduces and weight loss is apparent. Communication becomes too effortful and breathing more bubbly or shallow. Dying is very rarely a dramatic event. In the majority of cases it is an increasing winding down of all bodily functions and everything stopping, death occurring in a peaceful and dignified manner.
PD and MSA patients are prone to pain with insufficient treatment.
Listen, listen, listen: Living with MSA can be very isolating. The family may be eager to talk about what they are going through so listening and showing empathy can be one of the most helpful things you can do. Or they may just want a light, fun evening with laughter. Pay attention to their cues and follow their lead.
Sleep and breathing problems are very common in MSA patients. Sleep apnea (momentary lapses in breathing), respiratory stridor (noisy breathing), REM behavior disorder (shouting and acting out dreams) and excessive daytime sleepiness can be among the earliest symptoms of MSA.
Causes of multiple system atrophy (MSA)
The brain cells of a person with MSA contain a protein called alpha-synuclein. A build-up of abnormal alpha-synuclein is thought to be responsible for damaging areas of the brain that control balance, movement and the body's normal functions.
Disease Overview
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare sporadic progressive neurological disorder characterized by a varying combination of symptoms and signs. Onset is during adulthood (>30 years).
An additional manifestation of MSA is sudden death, in which patients die of no apparent reason 24 h after the onset of symptoms [9]. Sudden death in MSA usually occurs during sleep [10] and may occur at an early disease stage [11].
Most cases of multiple system atrophy are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. Rarely, the condition has been reported to run in families; however, it usually does not have a clear pattern of inheritance.
What are the symptoms of MSA? Most often, the first clinical symptom a patient will note will be lightheadedness, dizziness, and episodes of passing out, but the first symptoms in some patients may include difficulty initiating movement, body stiffness, urinary incontinence, and increased falls.
When you feel safer, because the 'danger' has passed or because you no longer fear it, your body returns to a more relaxed state. This explains why some symptoms of MSA such as a tremor or speech difficulty can seem temporarily worse in stressful situations.
Though dementia is not considered a common characteristic of MSA, cognitive impairment occurs in some patients in the form of loss of verbal memory and verbal fluency1.
In MSA there may be several stages -- alpha-synuclein accumulates in the oligodendroglial cells, then there is failure of mitochondrial function as well as loss of trophic factor support. Then the oligodendroglia degenerate, followed by microglia and astroglial activation.
Around 3,000 people in Australia currently live with the rare parkinsonian condition called Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA), which affects movement, breathing, blood pressure and other body functions.
It is documented that fatigue is a symptom of MSA and is prevalent in the early stages while remaining persistent over time. Everyone experiences MSA symptoms differently, and fatigue is no exception. Here are some signs to be mindful of: Weakness or feelings of heaviness, especially in the arms and legs.
There's no cure for multiple system atrophy. Managing the disease involves treating signs and symptoms to make you as comfortable as possible and to maintain your body functions. To treat specific signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend: Medications to raise blood pressure.
Indeed, a patient with MSA may present with vocal fold paralysis, and respiratory distress may be the initial symptom.
Most treatments are medically based and involve medications to raise blood pressure, reduce Parkinson-like signs and symptoms, and reducing sexual dysfunction symptoms. [2] However, physiotherapists have a major role in treating individuals with MSA since individuals often undergo motor control and muscle degeneration.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy can significantly improve motor symptoms through one-on-one exercises and personalized exercise plans. Many of the activities used to enhance movement of individuals with Parkinson's disease are used for people with MSA.