STAGES OF MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY( MSA)
Treatment, care or resources people can utilize:
• Outpatient rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational or speech therapy
• Regular exercise
• Possible benefit from oral medications, such as carbidopa-levodopa for parkinsonism symptoms
• Dietary changes or medication to improve blood pressure, urinary function, and constipation
• Specialists as needed, such as cardiology or urology
Middle Stage
People often notice that they are moving into the middle stage when they need at least a little assistance to complete daily activities. People who did not get a MSA diagnosis in early stage are likely now diagnosed. The progression and impact of symptoms typically looks something like: Motor or movement symptoms people may experience:
• Worsening tremors, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness
• Worsened coordination in arms and legs that affect manual activities and walking
• Balance issues that can lead to falls Speech and swallowing symptoms people may experience:
• Worsening softness and / or slurring of 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 Mood and cognitive symptoms people may experience:
• Mild cognitive changes, like difficulty organizing information and comprehension
• Depression and anxiety Impact on daily living:
• Some assistance is needed to complete daily activities such as dressing, showering, getting out of chairs or moving outside of the home
Treatment, care or resources people can utilize:
• Outpatient rehabilitation therapies with focus on strategies to help with daily activities, safety with ambulation and moving, communication and care partner training
• Exercise from a chair with close monitoring and assistance
• Possible benefit from oral medications, such as carbidopa-levodopa for parkinsonism symptoms
• Dietary changes or medication to improve blood pressure, urinary function, and constipation
• Use of an appropriate walker and evaluation for future use of a wheelchair
• Grab bars or other equipment in the home to make getting around easier and safer
• Social work and palliative care services for additional support and to start discussions around care planning