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Multiple system atrophy - parkinsonian type

Definition

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 regulates important functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.

The other subtype of MSA is MSA-cerebellar. It mainly affects the cerebellum, an area deep in the brain, just above the spinal cord.

Causes

The cause of MSA-P is unknown. The affected areas of the brain overlap with areas affected by Parkinson disease, with similar symptoms. For this reason, this subtype of MSA is called parkinsonian.

MSA-P is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.

Symptoms

MSA damages the nervous system. The disease tends to progress rapidly. About one half of people with MSA-P have lost most of their motor skills within 5 years of onset of the disease.

Symptoms may include:

• Passing out (syncope) due to drops in blood pressure

• Tremors

• Movement difficulties, such as slowness, loss of balance, shuffling when walking

• Frequent falls

• Muscle aches and pains (myalgia), and stiffness

• Face changes, such as a masklike appearance to the face and staring

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing (occasionally), not able to close the mouth

• Disrupted sleep patterns (often during rapid eye movement [REM] sleep late at night)

• Dizziness or fainting when standing up or after standing still

• Erection problems

• Loss of control over bowels or bladder

• Problems with activities that requires small movements (loss of fine motor skills), such as writing that is small and hard to read

• Loss of sweating in any part of the body

• Decline in mental function

• Nausea and problems with digestion

• Posture problems, such as unstable, stooped, or slumped over

• Vision changes, decreased or blurred vision

• Voice and speech changes

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

• Confusion

• Dementia

• Depression

• Sleep-related breathing difficulties, including sleep apnea or a blockage in the air passage that leads to a harsh vibrating sound

• Restless legs

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine you, and check your eyes, nerves, and muscles.

Your blood pressure will be taken while you are lying down and standing up.

There are no specific tests to confirm this disease. A specialist in the nervous system (neurologist) can make the diagnosis based on:

• History of symptoms

• Physical exam results

• Ruling out other causes of symptoms

Testing to help confirm the diagnosis may include:

• Autonomic nervous system testing

• MRI of  head

• Plasma norepinephrine levels

• Urine exam for norepinephrine breakdown products (urine catecholamines)

Treatment

There is no cure for MSA-P. There is no known way to prevent the disease from getting worse. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

Dopaminergic medicines, such as levodopa and carbidopa, may be used to reduce early or mild tremors.

But, for many people with MSA-P, these medicines do not work well.

Medicines may be used to treat low blood pressure.

A pacemaker that is programmed to stimulate the heart to beat at a rapid rate (faster than 100 beats per minute) may increase blood pressure for some people.

Constipation can be treated with a high-fiber diet and laxatives. Medicines are available to treat erection problems.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with MSA-P and their families can be found at:

• National Organization for Rare Disorders -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy

• The MSA Coalition -- missionmsa.org

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome for MSA is poor. Loss of mental and physical functions slowly get worse. Early death is likely. People typically live 7 to 9 years after diagnosis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Contact your provider if you have been diagnosed with MSA and your symptoms return or get worse. Also contact your provider if new symptoms appear, including possible side effects of medicines, such as:

• Changes in alertness/behavior/mood

• Delusional behavior

• Dizziness

• Hallucinations

• Involuntary movements

• Loss of mental functioning

• Nausea or vomiting

• Severe confusion or disorientation

If you have a family member with MSA and their condition declines to the point that you are unable to care for the person at home, seek advice from your family member's provider.

References

Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.

National Institutes of Health website. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple system atrophy. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy. Updated July 19, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024.

Romero-Ortuno R, Wilson KJ, Hampton JL. Disorders of the autonomic nervous system. In: Fillit HM, Rockwood K, Young J, eds. Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 63.

Review Date: 10/23/2024

Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.