Multiple System Atrophy: a rare Parkinsonsim

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurological (brain) condition caused by a gradual loss and shrinkage of brain cells. This loss of cells occurs in the parts of the brain that control movement, balance and automatic functions of the body such as bladder and blood pressure.

Aims

To better understand the biology of MSA.

Multiple - many (parts of the brain)
System - the brain structures that control different functions
Atrophy - cell shrinkage or damage
Treatments and therapies are available to help manage symptoms of MSA, however there is no cure or ways to prevent it from occurring or slow its progression.

Other terms sometimes used to describe MSA are ‘olivopontocerebellar atrophy’, ‘striatonigral degeneration’, ‘Parkinson’s plus’ and ‘Shy-Drager Syndrome’.

Understanding the biology of MSA may give us a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.