Condition: Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurological disorder characterized by a varying combination of symptoms. Affected individuals may experience symptoms similar to those found in Parkinson?s disease (parkinsonism); cerebellar signs such as progressive impairment of the ability to coordinate voluntary movements (cerebellar ataxia); and impaired functioning of the portion of the nervous system (autonomic nervous system) that regulates certain involuntary body functions (autonomic failure) such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and bowel and bladder control. The exact cause of multiple system atrophy is unknown.

The term multiple system atrophy has generated significant controversy and confusion in the medical literature. The term now encompasses three conditions once thought to be separate disorders, specifically Shy-Drager syndrome, striatonigral degeneration, and sporadic olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Additionally, there is a hereditary form of olivopontocerebellar atrophy that is not part of the multiple system atrophy spectrum.