×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

Classification/Types Of Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy affects various organs simultaneously. The organs affected are related to autonomic nervous system and the condition is chronic and progressive.1 Although the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, the condition is characterized by the presence of α-synuclein aggregates primarily in oligodendroglia. Some studies also indicate genetics as a contributor, but conclusive evidence remains missing. MSA causes shrinkage of various important parts of the brain such as cerebellum and brainstem.

Classification/Types Of Multiple System Atrophy

The classification of multiple system atrophy is done on the basis of features of the disease and neuropathology. The classification of the condition is also done on the basis of symptoms and the organs and physiological functions affected. Classification is generally based on the general clinical domain. Following are the types of multiple system atrophy-

Multiple System Atrophy With Predominant Parkinsonism (MSA-P)- The condition is sometimes known as a parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy or striatonigral degeneration. In this condition the domination symptoms are extrapyramidal. Patients suffering from this condition have a rapid progression as compared to Parkinson’s patients and there is an early autonomic nervous dysfunction. Following are the symptoms experienced by the patient suffering from this type of Multiple System Atrophy, which are generally similar as seen in Parkinson’s disease-

Rigid Muscles– The muscle of the patient becomes rigid and the excess movement of the muscles causes pain and spasm.

Bradykinesia– The patient has a slow walking ability.2

Neuropsychiatric Features– Patients with MSA-P observers sleep disturbances. Other features include depression, apathy, Rapid eye movement, anxiety and sleep behavior disorder.

Although the exact cause of the development of MSA-P is not known the condition is characterized by the presence of aggregates of α-synuclein in various parts of the brain, especially in oligodendroglia. This is combined with the presence of the striatonigral pathway neurodegeneration.

Multiple System Atrophy With Cerebellar Features (MSA-C)- This type of multiple system atrophy is also known as sporadic olivopontocerebellar atrophy. The symptoms are predominantly related to cerebellar ataxia. The cause of this type is the aggregation of α-synuclein, especially in the oligodendroglia in combination with olivopontocerebellar structures neurodegeneration. The patient suffering from this type of MSA also shows some symptoms of MSA-P. Most of the symptoms are related to a lack of muscle coordination. The condition is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms-

Multiple System Atrophy

The autonomic nervous system is part of the nervous system that is responsible for controlling the involuntary activities. Involuntary activities are those activities that are not in direct control such as blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, etc. When there is neurodegeneration of autonomic nervous system, the controlling ability of the brain takes a toll and it is visible in various physiological dysfunctions. This abnormal condition is termed as multiple system dystrophy. This condition is chronic and progressive and significantly impairs the quality of life. The general symptoms associated with the condition are dangerously low blood pressure on standing up, poor temperature regulation, bowel dysfunction causing constipation and urinary incontinence. The secretion of saliva, tears, and sweat reduces and the patient also experiences sexual dysfunction and emotional distress.

Conclusion

Multiple system atrophy is divided into two major types on the basis of part of the brain affected and the accompanying symptoms. The types of MSA are MSA-P, the Parkinson variant, and MSA-C, the Cerebellum variant. Symptoms of both the conditions may overlap but MSA-P has predominating Parkinson symptoms while MSA-C has the dominating symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. In MSA-P, the neurodegeneration of the striatonigral pathway occurs while in MSA-C, neurodegeneration of olivopontocerebellar structures is seen.

References:  

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 29, 2019

Recent Posts

Related Posts