What is MSA?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative neurological disorder. MSA is associated with the degeneration of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. This cell degeneration causes problems with movement, balance and autonomic functions of the body such as bladder control.

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What is it like to have MSA?

Common Symptoms Patients' Latest Severity My Current Severity  
Severity
Severe
Moderate
Mild
None
Apathy None Mild Moderate Severe
Ataxia (lack of coordination) None Mild Moderate Severe
Balance problems None Mild Moderate Severe
Bladder problems None Mild Moderate Severe
Cold hands and feet None Mild Moderate Severe
Constipation None Mild Moderate Severe
Difficulty breathing at night None Mild Moderate Severe
Difficulty getting comfortable in bed None Mild Moderate Severe
Dizziness with hypotension upon standing None Mild Moderate Severe
Dry mouth (xerostomia) None Mild Moderate Severe
Dry skin None Mild Moderate Severe
Emotional lability None Mild Moderate Severe
Excessive daytime sleepiness (somnolence) None Mild Moderate Severe
Memory problems None Mild Moderate Severe
Problems concentrating None Mild Moderate Severe
Sexual dysfunction None Mild Moderate Severe
Slowness None Mild Moderate Severe
Stiffness/Spasticity None Mild Moderate Severe

What do patients take to treat MSA and its symptoms?

Commonly prescribed and frequently used treatments

Treatment name Efficacy Overall rating of side effects # of Evaluations
Carbidopa-Levodopa
(Sinemet 12.5/50, Syndopa, Caramet CR, Kinson)
12

These charts show data from MSA patients' latest treatment evaluations

Who has MSA at PatientsLikeMe?

<20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+
Current Age
Distribution of females vs. males
Gender
53% Females
47% Males
Age at first symptom
Age at first symptom # of patients Proportion
0-19 yrs 9
20-29 yrs 12
30-39 yrs 21
40-49 yrs 63
50-59 yrs 101
60-69 yrs 51
70+ yrs 6
Types
Condition Types # of patients Proportion
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) 168
Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA/MSA-c) 55
Shy-Drager Syndrome (MSA-a) 34
Striatonigral degeneration (MSA-p) 49
Diagnosis status
Diagnosis status # of patients Proportion
Diagnosed 260
Not Officially Diagnosed 38

These charts show data from MSA patients who have completed their condition history