Multiple System Atrophy Types and Symptoms
MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) is named so because this disease affects multiple parts of ones’ body at a time. It was previously named as Shy- Drager Syndrome. Doctors have categorized MSA into two parts: Cerebellar and Parkinsonian. These both are different in their own way as they both have different symptoms, and cure.
Cerebellar type MSA
Major signs and symptoms are lack of muscle coordination (ataxia). Signs and symptoms may include:
• Indistinct, slow or low-volume speech (dysarthria)
• Deficiency of movement and coordination, such as unsteady walk and loss of balance
• Visual disorders, such as unclear or double vision and trouble in focusing your eyes
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or chewing.
• May get Action Tremor
• Problems in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion and other internal organ functions.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, sleep disturbances, abnormal sweating, flailing movements in sleep and sexual impotence in men.
Parkinsonian type MSA
Major signs and symptoms of Parkinsonian type are:
• Stiff muscles and difficulty in bending arms and legs.
• Slow movement (bradykinesia).
• Resting Tremors (rare in MSA compared with classic Parkinson's disease).
• Impaired posture and balance.
• Writing becomes small and spidery.
• Slow, shuffling gait.
• Slurred speech and lack of facial expression.
Cerebellar type MSA
Major signs and symptoms are lack of muscle coordination (ataxia). Signs and symptoms may include:
• Indistinct, slow or low-volume speech (dysarthria)
• Deficiency of movement and coordination, such as unsteady walk and loss of balance
• Visual disorders, such as unclear or double vision and trouble in focusing your eyes
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or chewing.
• May get Action Tremor
• Problems in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion and other internal organ functions.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, sleep disturbances, abnormal sweating, flailing movements in sleep and sexual impotence in men.
Parkinsonian type MSA
Major signs and symptoms of Parkinsonian type are:
• Stiff muscles and difficulty in bending arms and legs.
• Slow movement (bradykinesia).
• Resting Tremors (rare in MSA compared with classic Parkinson's disease).
• Impaired posture and balance.
• Writing becomes small and spidery.
• Slow, shuffling gait.
• Slurred speech and lack of facial expression.