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Multiple System Atrophy
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Multiple System Atrophyis not the name you expected.
Synonyms
- MSA
Disorder Subdivisions
- Shy-Drager Syndrome (SDS)
- Sporadic Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
- Progressive Autonomic Failure with Multiple System Atrophy
- Sporadic OPCA
- Striatonigral Degeneration (SND)
General Discussion
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurological disorder characterized by a varying combination of symptoms. Affected individuals may experience symptoms similar to those found in Parkinson’s disease (parkinsonism); cerebellar signs such as progressive impairment of the ability to coordinate voluntary movements (cerebellar ataxia); and impaired functioning of the portion of the nervous system (autonomic nervous system) that regulates certain involuntary body functions (autonomic failure) such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and bowel and bladder control. The exact cause of multiple system atrophy is unknown.
The term multiple system atrophy has generated significant controversy and confusion in the medical literature. The term now encompasses three conditions once thought to be separate disorders, specifically Shy-Drager syndrome, striatonigral degeneration, and sporadic olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Additionally, there is a hereditary form of olivopontocerebellar atrophy that is not part of the multiple system atrophy spectrum.
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Resources
WE MOVE (Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders)
204 West 84th Street
New York
NY
10024
USA
Tel: (212)875-8312
Fax: (212)875-8389
wemove@wemove.org
http://www.wemove.org
Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc.
1359 Broadway
Suite 1509
New York
NY
10018
Tel: (212)923-4700
Fax: (212)923-4778
800: (800)457-6676
info@pdf.org
http://www.pdf.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda
MD
20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
800: (800)352-9424
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Autonomic Dysfunction Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
AA3228 MCN
Nashville
TN
37232-2195
USA
Tel: (615)343-6499
Fax: (615)343-8649
david.robertson@vanderbilt.edu
http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcrc/adc
National Dysautonomia Research Foundation
PO Box 301
Red Wing
MN
55066-0102
Tel: (651)267-0525
Fax: (651)267-0524
ndrf@ndrf.org
http://www.ndrf.org
MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay
WI
54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
800: (877)336-5333
mums@netnet.net
http://www.netnet.net/mums/
Shy-Drager Syndrome/Multiple System Atrophy Support Group
P.O. Box 279
Coupland
TX
78615
800: (866)737-4999
don.summers@shy-drager.org
http://www.shy-drager.org/
National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
1501 NW 9th Ave/Bob Hope Road
Miami
FL
33136-1494
Tel: (305)243-6666
Fax: (305)243-5595
800: (800)327-4545
contact@parkinson.org
http://www.parkinson.org
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 5/2/2008
Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
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