Multiple system atrophy is a rare disease that causes the degeneration of the autonomic nervous system. It affects the involuntary functions of the body.1 Its causes are not clear. Abnormal levels of synuclein damage the nerve fibers of the brain which is assumed to cause its degeneration. The symptoms of this disease are abnormal posture, abnormal heart rate, abnormally low blood pressure, loss of coordination and many more. This disease is not curable and its prognosis is also not good. It causes life-threatening complications. However, its symptoms can be managed with treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Recovery Period For Multiple System Atrophy
Multiple system atrophy is a progressive disease that can cause life-threatening consequences. It does not have any remission period. This disease does not have a good outlook. There is no known cure for the disease. There is no recovery period for this disease as it gets worse with time. The affected person cannot survive more than 7 to 10 years after the appearance of its first symptom. This survival rate is different in different people. Some people may live up to 15 years. In most cases, people die due to the appearance of respiratory failure induced by autonomic failure. Recovery is not evident in multiple system atrophy, only symptoms are relieved by modern treatment options.2
Multiple system atrophy is a rare disorder of the nervous system that degenerates the nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. It affects the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary function of various internal organs. It then affects the functioning of the body’s automatic functions like bladder or bowel movement, heart rate, breathing, etc. Its symptoms resemble symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Its symptoms appear after the age of 50 years. Its symptoms are progressive in nature that can cause life-threatening complications. The patients of multiple system atrophy after the diagnosis survive only 5- 10 years. It disturbs the motor function and makes the affected person disabled and dependent on others for basic activities of daily life. Many of them die due to respiratory and heart failure in sleep as it causes breathing problems due to autonomic failure.
Multiple System Atrophy Types
Multiple system atrophy affects both males and females equally in their age of 50 years. In most cases, patients usually die in 7-10 years after diagnosis. It is of two types-
MSA-C- it involves cerebellum and it leads to loss of coordination and balance.
MSA-P- its symptoms are very similar to Parkinson disease. In this type, tremor does not appear always in each case and it is not relieved by levodopa as it does in Parkinson’s disease.
Multiple System Atrophy Causes
The causes of multiple system atrophy are not clear. It is found in many studies that a protein named synuclein is found in the brain increase to abnormal levels in this disease. This protein plays a significant role in establishing communication between nerve cells. However, its exact function is not known. The accumulation of this protein may damage the parts of the brain that control movement, the function of internal organs and balance.
Multiple System Atrophy Symptoms
The common symptoms of multiple system atrophy are 2
- Loss of coordination and muscle control
- Clumsiness
- Impaired speech
- Muscle weakness in the body and limbs
- Coldness of hands and feet
- Tremors
- Slow movement
- Headache
- dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Sleep-related problems- restless leg, snoring or insomnia
- Profuse perspiration
- Breathing problems
- Constipation
- Problems related to swallowing
- Abnormal breathing in sleep
- Poor posture
- Depression
- fainting
- Uncontrollable crying and laughter
- Urine urgency or urine incontinence
Conclusion
Multiple system atrophy is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects the nerve fibers of the body. this disease is a fatal disease that causes life-threatening consequences and the patient do not recover from this disease. The life expectancy of the patient after diagnosis is 5-10 years only.
Also Read:
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) or Shy Drager Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
- Complications Of Multiple System Atrophy
- What Causes You To Have Multiple System Atrophy?
- Classification/Types Of Multiple System Atrophy
- How To Cope With Multiple System Atrophy?
- Who Is At Risk For Multiple System Atrophy?
