MSA is classified by
two types
: parkinsonian and cerebellar. The type depends on the symptoms you have at diagnosis.
What are the stages of MSA?
There are three levels of certainty:
Possible, probable and definate
. The diagnosis of possible MSA and probable MSA basically involves having more of these features.
Which is worse MSA-P or MSA-C?
Several predictive factors for the progression and survival prognosis of those with MSA have been proposed. Patients with
MSA-P
show a more rapid disease progression and survive for a shorter time than patients with MSA-C. Furthermore, the early development of motor and autonomic dysfunctions results in poor prognosis.
What is MSA type C?
Disease definition.
Multiple system atrophy
, cerebellar type (MSA-c) is a form of multiple system atrophy (MSA; see this term) with predominant cerebellar features (gait and limb ataxia, oculomotor dysfunction, and dysarthria).
What is the difference between MSA-P and MSA-C?
Patients with MSA-P most commonly presented with
rigidity
, followed by bradykinesia, tremor and postural instability. MSA-C patients most frequently presented with dysarthria, limb and gait ataxia, and less commonly with nystagmus.
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 there pain with MSA?
Pain was reported in 47% of the MSA patients
. It was classified as rheumatic in 64% of MSA patients reporting pain, sensory in 28%, dystonic in 21%, and levodopa-related in 16%, mostly related to off-period or diphasic dystonias. There was a mixed pain syndrome in 19% of these patients.
How fast does MSA c progress?
Symptoms tend to appear in a person’s 50s and
advance rapidly over the course of 5 to 10 years
, with progressive loss of motor function and eventual confinement to bed. People with MSA often develop pneumonia in the later stages of the disease and may suddenly die from cardiac or respiratory issues.
How fast does MSA progress?
How fast does MSA progress? Unfortunately,
MSA progresses rapidly
. It starts at an average age of 54 and within only 2 or 3 years produces important disability with regard to walking and balance. Most people with MSA are wheelchair-bound by the 4th year and eventually become bedbound because of general stiffness.
How is MSA treated?
There is no specific treatment for MSA
. Treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms of the disease. Drugs that are used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, most notably levodopa (given in tablets of Sinemet), may also be prescribed for individuals with MSA.
How common is MSA C?
It is rare, affecting only
about four in 100,000 people
, but its impact on those it touches is devastating. MSA shares many pathologic and clinical features with the better-known and more common Parkinson’s disease, for which it is often mistaken.
Does MSA show up on MRI?
MRI is useful and indispensable in the diagnosis of MSA
and also possibly for monitoring disease progression.
Does MSA cause dementia?
The disorder is characterized by postural (or orthostatic) hypotension (an excessive drop in blood pressure when the patient stands up), which causes dizziness or momentary blackouts.
MSA does not provoke dementia but could impair some cognitive functions
.
Is MSA a disability?
MSA
automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits
under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MSA, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis.
Does MSA affect the brain?
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition of the nervous system that causes
gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain
. This affects balance, movement and the autonomic nervous system, which controls several basic functions, such as breathing, digestion and bladder control.
How can MSA be prevented?
- 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.
