The older names for MSA include three syndromes: Shy-Drager syndrome,striatonigraldegeneration, andolivopontocerebellaratrophy.
This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for multiple system atrophy.
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What Is Multiple System Atrophy?
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MSA is usually diagnosed around 50 years of age and is seen in people of all ethnic backgrounds.
What causes this loss of nerve cells is still unknown.
It can be very difficult to distinguish MSA from Parkinsons disease.
Another way to differentiate between the two is to treat for Parkinson’s.
Some aspects of the disorder are debilitating and difficult to treat.
There currently is no cure so treatment options focus on reducing symptoms as best as possible.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Multiple system atrophy.
Goh YY, Saunders E, Pavey S, et al.Multiple system atrophy.
2014 Mar;13(3):268-75. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70301-6
