NINDS Multiple System Atrophy Information Page

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Multiple System Atrophy

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Multiple System Atrophy?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What is Multiple System Atrophy?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is the current name for disorders once known individually as striatonigral degeneration, sporadic olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and the Shy-Drager syndrome. MSA is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms of autonomic nervous system failure (such as lightheadedness or fainting spells, constipation, erectile failure in men, and urinary retention) combined with tremor and rigidity, slurred speech, or loss of muscle coordination. MSA affects both men and women, primarily in their 50s. It can progress swiftly or slowly, but people with MSA generally survive for 9 years after the appearance of symptoms. There is no remission from the disease.

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific treatment for nerve degeneration in MSA. Levodopa, used to treat rigidity and tremor in Parkinson's disease, may offer some help. However, striatonigral degeneration does not respond well to levodopa. Dopamine and anticholinergic drugs may be prescribed to treat spasms. Orthostatic hypotension may be treated with flucortisone and other drugs that raise blood pressure. Increased dietary fiber intake or use of laxatives may relieve constipation, and drugs or a penile implant may help with male impotence. A routine of stretching and exercise can help retain muscle strength and range of movement. An artificial feeding tube or breathing tube may be surgically inserted for management of swallowing and breathing difficulties.

What is the prognosis?

MSA is a progressive disorder and most patients have a life expectancy after diagnosis of about 10 years or less.

What research is being done?

The NINDS carries out and funds studies of basal ganglia and cerebellar degeneration and autonomic nerve system dysfunction, including multiple system atrophy. This research is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of these diseases and finding ways to treat, cure, and ultimately, prevent them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

Shy-Drager/Multiple System Atrophy Support Group, Inc. P.O. Box 279 Coupland, TX 78615 http://www.shy-drager.org Tel: 866-SDS-4999 (737-4999) Fax: 512-251-3315	WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders) 204 West 84th Street New York, NY 10024 wemove@wemove.org http://www.wemove.org Tel: 212-875-8312 Fax: 212-875-8389
American Parkinson Disease Association 135 Parkinson Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305-1425 apda@apdaparkinson.org http://www.apdaparkinson.org Tel: 718-981-8001 800-223-2732 Calif: 800-908-2732 Fax: 718-981-4399	National Dysautonomia Research Foundation P.O. Box 301 Red Wing, MN 55066-0301 ndrf@ndrf.org http://www.ndrf.org Tel: 651-267-0525 Fax: 651-267-0524
National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) 2600 Fernbrook Lane North Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752 naf@ataxia.org http://www.ataxia.org Tel: 763-553-0020 Fax: 763-553-0167	National Parkinson Foundation 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue Bob Hope Road Miami, FL 33136-1494 contact@parkinson.org http://www.parkinson.org Tel: 305-243-6666 800-327-4545 Fax: 305-243-5595

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension Information Page
Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

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NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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Last updated February 13, 2007