Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. However, patients with MSA have more widespread damage to the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls important organ functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestive system muscles, and sweating.
Shy-Drager syndrome; Neurologic orthostatic hypotension; Shy-McGee-Drager syndrome; Parkinson's plus syndrome
The cause is unknown. MSA develops gradually and is most often diagnosed in men older than 60.
MSA damages the nervous system, which can cause the following symptoms:
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
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Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/30/2008 |