What does it mean to have MSA?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, degenerative neurological disorder affecting your body’s involuntary (autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, breathing, bladder function and motor control.

Is MSA worse than Parkinsons?

A major clinical dilemma is whether a patient with parkinsonism has Parkinson disease (PD) or MSA, as the prognosis of MSA is much worse. Autonomic involvement is common in PD but is more variable in severity than MSA. Mild OH is relatively common in PD and occasionally severe OH can occur.

Is MSA autoimmune disease?

These results suggest distinct autoimmune patterns in MSA and PD. These findings suggest a specific autoimmune physiological mechanism involving responses toward α-syn, differing in neurodegenerative disease with overlapping α-syn pathology.

Can you beat MSA?

At present, there is no cure for MSA, no genetic tests to detect it, no therapy to slow it and very few treatments to manage its debilitating effects. Currently, diagnosis is clinical in nature with no certainty until an autopsy is performed or posthumous pathology examination.

Is MSA a terminal illness?

Because MSA is at this time a terminal disease with mean patient survival of 6 to 10 years after the onset of symptoms, patients and families should begin to make decisions regarding advanced directives, finances, hospice care, and the possibility of brain donation, if so desired.

How long do MSA patients live?

People with MSA suffer from dangerously low blood pressure, speech and swallowing difficulties, sleep disturbances, breathing problems, rigidity and tremors. The life expectancy for those with MSA is typically 5 to 10 years. There is no remission of the disease.

How can MSA be prevented?

Doctors often advise using certain self-care measures to help minimize MSA symptoms, such as:

Take steps to raise your blood pressure. Add a little salt to your diet and drink more fluids.
Elevate the head of your bed.
Make dietary changes.
Avoid getting too hot.
Wear elastic support stockings up to your waist.

Is MSA classed as a terminal illness?

Does MSA run in families?

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.

How do I slow down MSA?

There’s currently no cure for MSA and no way of slowing its progression. People with the condition typically live for 6 to 9 years after their symptoms start and may get worse quickly during this time. Some people may live for more than 10 years after being diagnosed.

How do you reverse MSA?

The cause of multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains unknown, and no current therapy can reverse or halt progression of the disease. The extrapyramidal and cerebellar aspects of the disease are debilitating and difficult to treat.