multiple system atrophy: a type of atypical Parkinson

Multisystem atrophy (MSA) is a major neurodegenerative disease that appears in adults. It occurs frequently for progressive Parkinson box (AMS-p) where akinesia and rigidity predominate and, rarely, is associated with resting tremor. Other common symptoms of multiple system atrophy, say the specialists in Neurology , include urination problems (urinary incontinence or urinary retention), erectile dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon standing).

In multiple system atrophy speech preco it is also altered form z. However, rarely hallucinations or cognitive impairment occur. A characteristic symptom of multiple system atrophy is stridor, which is a kind of intense nocturnal snoring, high pitched, which occurs when breathing. Another common symptom is nocturnal nightmares associated with nocturnal agitation, conduct disorder known as REM sleep.

Causes of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy is associated synuclein deposits in the brain, like Parkinson's disease, which is also considered a synucleinopathy. The cause of this neurodegenerative disease is unknown. There are no known disease - causing genetic damage.

MSA: relationship with Parkinson

Often multiple system atrophy confused with Parkinson's disease. This confusion occurs mainly in the initial stages, as the slowness of movement and posture in flexion of the body are characteristic of the two diseases. In addition, there may be problems both urination and erectile dysfunction. In multiple system atrophy typical resting tremor is very rare and slurred speech and gait are early and frequent latter being the cause of frequent falls. There may be a marked flexion neck. The onset of the disease before age 30 or after age 70 is very rare.

Multiple system atrophy may occur occasionally as a progressive cerebellar syndrome (cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-c) In these cases, lesions occur in the cerebellum and its connections, rather than in the substantia nigra such as in the variant of the system atrophy-p. The patient has a progressive unsteady gait, known as ataxia, which is also associated with urination problems, blood pressure and erectile dysfunction and sleep.

Diagnosis of multiple system atrophy

Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool in the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. The MRI can rule out other diseases that could be confused with multiple system atrophy, as the presence of multiple strokes. Other diagnostic tests generally have little use.

Treatment of multiple system atrophy

Currently, there is no drug that stops the progressive course of the disease. Treating multisystemic atrophy-p focuses on the administration of drugs to treat Parkinson 's . In general, the answer is positive in only 20% of patients.

There are no drugs that relieve multisystem atrophy ataxia-c. Orthostatic hypotension can cause loss of short and recurrent knowledge that require non-drug treatments such as the use of elastic stockings. Also often it is used to treatment with other drugs or fluorhydrocortisone. Furthermore, stridor requires in many cases apply night CPAP. The, successful in advanced Parkinson's disease, deep brain stimulation is not indicated in patients with multiple system atrophy.

Edited by Noelia García Pino