The Three Forms of Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple System Atrophy affects thousands of people in the United States. This disorder causes their entire bodies to malfunction to the point of death. Every system in the body is affected and there is no cure. Multiple System Atrophy is a rare neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the symptoms of Autonomic system failure that include fainting spells and bladder control problems and other symptoms like tremors, rigidy and loss of muscle coordination. Multiple System Atrophy is also known as Parkinson-plus syndrome.

There are three forms Multiple System Atrophy because of the wide-range and severity of symptoms from person to person. The three forms are Shy-Drager syndrome, Striatonigral degeneration and Olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Shy-Drager syndrome involves the symptoms of Autonomic System failure. The autonomic system regulates blood pressure and urinary function. Multiple System Atrophy was first described in 1960 as Shy-Drager syndrome. Striatonigral degeneration symptoms are slowed movements and rigidy. These symptoms are much like those of Parkinson's disease. Olivopontocerebellar atrophy affects balance, coordination and speech.

It was once believed that Shy-Drager syndrome, Striatonigral degeneration and Olivopontocerebellar atrophy were all different diseases. When it was confirmed that they were the same disease they were given the name of Multiple System Atrophy to include all three. Some doctors haven't got use to the new terminology and still refer to them individually.

The symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy are stiffness and rigidy, slowed movement, postural instability, loss of balance and incoordination, fall in blood pressure upon standing which causes dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting and blurred vision, male impotence and urinary difficulties. The disorder progresses over years and the symptoms become more widespread and severe. Other symptoms are difficulty speaking and swallowing, sleep apnea and cold hands.

The cause of Multiple System Atrophy is unknown and it affects approximately 25,000 to 100,000 people in the United States. The average age of onset is 50 years, but it can occur in younger and older individuals. It affects men slightly more than women.

There is no cure for the disorder and the only treatment options available are aimed at relieving and helping the patients cope with the symptoms.

This extremely devastating disorder not only affects those who have it, but also their family and friends because the prognosis of Multiple System Atrophy is very grim. Those affected will have a progressive loss of motor skills that will eventually prevent them from getting out of bed. Death usually occurs seven years from the time of diagnosis.