STAGES OF MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY( MSA)
Stages of Multiple System Atrophy( MSA)
MSA is an adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects movement and autonomic nervous system functions. Issues with movement can be the slow and small movements that are typically seen in parkinsonisms and lack of coordination. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for normal function of involuntary bodily processes, like blood pressure and heart rate, urinary function and sexual function. MSA interrupts the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to problems outlined in the stages below.
As a progressive disease, MSA progresses over time and the distinctions between stages aren’ t always clear. There are some notable changes that happen throughout the disease, and those are often marked as four main“ stages”. Knowing what may lie ahead helps to plan and prepare as symptoms and care needs progress over time.
It’ s important to remember that everyone with MSA experiences the disease differently. Symptoms and their severity vary widely, and someone can be in each stage from anywhere between 1 to 5 years. The symptoms and the impact on daily life can also depend on the specific symptoms of MSA that a person is living with. These differences make it difficult to compare one disease journey to another. For example, some middle or late-stage symptoms may start in the early stage, while others may not experience typical early onset symptoms until later. However, knowing what may lie ahead can inform planning and preparation as symptoms and care needs progress over time. Early Stage
The early stage of MSA is when people begin to experience symptoms. Some people in the early stage are bothered enough by their symptoms that they visit their primary care practitioner, a neurologist or a different healthcare professional. Many people in this stage are initially diagnosed with Parkinson’ s disease or something called cerebellar ataxia due to similar motor symptoms. Some people receive a clinical diagnosis of MSA while in this stage, but not all. Below are symptoms people may experience in the early stage: Motor or movement symptoms people may experience:
• Mild motor symptoms similar to Parkinson’ s disease may start; including tremors, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness
• Loss of coordination for manual movements and walking
• Balance issues that can lead to falls Speech and swallowing symptoms people may experience:
• Mildly softer and / or slurred speech
• Coughing when drinking liquids or eating certain foods Autonomic symptoms people may experience:
• Difficulties with blood pressure regulation that can cause dizziness and lightheadedness
• Needing to urinate more urgently and more frequently, but rarely leading to incontinence
• Constipation
• Erectile dysfunction Impact on daily living:
• Little to no assistance is needed from other people or devices to perform daily activities, but it can improve safety, convenience or comfort