Atrophy ya Mfumo Nyingi (MSA)

Multiple system atrophy results from degeneration of several parts of the brain and spinal cord:

• The basal ganglia (collections of nerve cells at the base of the cerebrum, deep within the brain), which help control voluntary muscle movements by balancing the actions of muscle groups that move the same muscles in opposite ways (for example, a group that bends an arm and a group that straightens the arm)

• The cerebellum, which coordinates voluntary movements (particularly complex movements done simultaneously) and helps maintain balance

• Areas that control the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body processes, such as how blood pressure changes in response to changes in posture

The cause of the degeneration is unknown, but degeneration in multiple system atrophy probably results when alpha-synuclein changes shape (misfolds) and accumulates in support cells in the brain. Alpha-synuclein is a protein in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate, but whose function is not yet fully understood. Abnormal alpha-synuclein can also accumulate in people with pure autonomic failure, Parkinson disease, or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder often occurs in people with disorders that involve accumulation of alpha-synuclein, including multiple system atrophy.

Locating the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia

The cerebellum is located below the cerebrum just above the brain stem. The cerebellum coordinates the body’s movements. With information it receives from the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia about the position of the limbs, the cerebellum helps the limbs move smoothly and accurately. (The cerebral cortex is the convoluted layer of tissue that forms the outer surface of the cerebrum. It contains most of the nerve cells in the nervous system.) The basal ganglia are collections of nerve cells located deep within the brain. They include the following structures: Caudate nucleus (a C-shaped structure that tapers to a thin tail) Putamen Globus pallidus (located next to the putamen) Subthalamic nucleus Substantia nigra The basal ganglia help smooth out muscle movements and coordinate changes in posture.

Multiple system atrophy is a progressive disorder. Early symptoms of multiple system atrophy vary, depending on which part and how much of the brain is affected first. The disorder causes three groups of symptoms.

Parkinsonism—symptoms that resemble those of Parkinson disease—may occur. These symptoms result from degeneration in the basal ganglia. Muscles are stiff (rigid), and movements become slow, shaky, and difficult to initiate. When walking, people may shuffle and not swing their arms. People feel unsteady and off balance, making them more likely to fall. Posture may be stooped. Limbs may tremble jerkily, usually when they are held in one position. But people with multiple system atrophy are less likely to have tremors during rest than people with Parkinson disease. Articulating words is difficult, and the voice may become high-pitched and quaver.

Loss of coordination may occur. It results from degeneration in the cerebellum. People lose their balance. Later, they may be unable to control movements of their arms and legs. Consequently, they have difficulty walking and take wide, irregular steps. When reaching for an item, they may reach beyond it. When sitting, they may feel unstable. People may have difficulty focusing their eyes on and following objects. Tasks that require rapidly alternating movements, such as turning a door knob or screwing in a light bulb, also become difficult.

Malfunction of internal body processes, controlled by the autonomic nervous system, may also occur. Blood pressure may decrease dramatically when a person stands up, causing dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting—a condition called orthostatic hypotension. Blood pressure may increase when a person lies down.

People may need to urinate urgently or frequently or may pass urine involuntarily (urinary incontinence). They may have difficulty emptying the bladder (urinary retention). Constipation is common. Vision becomes poor. Men may have difficulty initiating and maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).

Other symptoms of autonomic malfunction may include the following:

• Less sweat, tears, and saliva are produced. As a result, people may become intolerant of heat and have dry eyes and mouth.

• People may have difficulty swallowing and breathing.

• Breathing may be noisy and high-pitched.

• During sleep, breathing may stop repeatedly or become inadequate (sleep apnea).

• If REM sleep behavior disorder develops, people speak and may wave their arms or legs violently during sleep, possibly because they are acting out vivid, frightening dreams.

• People may lose control of bowel movements (fecal incontinence).

Many people are confined to a wheelchair or are otherwise severely disabled within 5 years after symptoms begin. The disorder results in death usually about 9 to 10 years after symptoms begin.

• A doctor's evaluation

• Magnetic resonance imaging

• Tests to evaluate the autonomic nervous system

The diagnosis of multiple system atrophy is based on a doctor's evaluation and results of certain tests. For example, doctors may suspect multiple system atrophy if parkinsonian symptoms are rapidly worsening and levodopa (used to treat Parkinson disease) has little or no effect on symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually done to check for certain changes in the brain.

Tests to evaluate the autonomic nervous system are done. They include the thermoregulatory sweat test and measurement of blood pressure while the person is sitting and after the person stands to check for orthostatic hypotension.

If MRI shows changes that suggest multiple system atrophy and test results are abnormal, multiple system atrophy is likely.

• Symptom relief

No treatment can cure multiple system atrophy. However, a combination of simple measures and medications may help relieve symptoms.

• Parkinsonism: Continuing to do as many daily activities as possible helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Stretching and exercising regularly may also help. Medications used to treat Parkinson disease, such as levodopa plus carbidopa, taken by mouth, may be tried, but this combination usually has little effect or is effective for only a few years.

• Orthostatic hypotension: Measures are taken to stabilize the sudden changes in blood pressure. Consuming more salt and water may increase the volume of blood and thus help increase blood pressure. Standing up slowly may help prevent blood pressure from decreasing too much or too fast when a person stands, as may wearing an abdominal binder or compression stockings. These garments help maintain blood pressure by promoting blood flow from the legs to the heart and thus prevent too much blood from staying (pooling) in the legs. Raising the head of the bed by about 4 inches (10 centimeters) can help prevent blood pressure from increasing too much when the person lies down. Fludrocortisone may be taken by mouth. It helps the body retain salt and water and thus may increase blood pressure as needed when a person stands. Other medications, such as midodrine or droxidopa, taken by mouth, may also help.

• Decreased production of body fluids: If sweating is reduced or absent, people should avoid warm environments to avoid overheating the body. Good dental care and regular check-ups are essential for people with dry mouth. Artificial tears (eye drops containing substances that resemble real tears) applied every few hours may relieve dry eyes.

• Urinary retention: If needed, people can learn to insert a catheter (a thin rubber tube) into the bladder themselves. They insert it several times a day. It is inserted through the urethra, allowing urine in the bladder to drain out. People remove the catheter after the bladder is empty. This measure helps prevent the bladder from stretching and urinary tract infections from developing. Washing the hands, cleansing the area around the urethra, and using a sterile or clean catheter also help prevent infections. Inserting a catheter becomes more difficult as coordination deteriorates. Sometimes medications such as bethanechol are used to stimulate contractions of the bladder and thus help the bladder empty.

• Urinary incontinence: Oxybutynin, mirabegron, tamsulosin, or tolterodine, taken by mouth, may be used to relax the muscles of an overactive bladder. If incontinence persists, using a catheter inserted into the bladder may help. People may learn to insert it themselves.

• Constipation: A high-fiber diet and stool softeners are recommended. If constipation persists, enemas may be necessary.

• Erectile dysfunction: Usually, treatment consists of medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, taken by mouth. However, these medications may make orthostatic hypotension worse.

As the multiple system atrophy progresses, some people need a breathing tube, feeding tube (usually surgically inserted), or both.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists can teach people ways to compensate when walking, doing daily activities, and speaking become difficult. Specialists in palliative medicine focus on relieving pain and treating symptoms and helps people deal with end-of-life issues. Social workers can help people find support groups and, when symptoms become disabling, home health care or hospice services.