Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder historically referred to by several names including Shy-Drager syndrome and Parkinson’s Plus disease. While these terms appear in older literature or specific clinical contexts, Multiple System Atrophy is the currently accepted medical term used to encompass the various clinical presentations of this condition. Why does Multiple System Atrophy have multiple names? The naming of Multiple System Atrophy has evolved as medical understanding of the disease has deepened.
2 people with Multiple Systems Atrophy have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Multiple Systems Atrophy synonyms
Other names for Multiple Systems Atrophy: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder historically referred to by several names including Shy-Drager syndrome and Parkinson’s Plus disease. While these terms appear in older literature or specific clinical contexts, Multiple System Atrophy is the currently accepted medical term used to encompass the various clinical presentations of this condition.
Why does Multiple System Atrophy have multiple names?
The naming of Multiple System Atrophy has evolved as medical understanding of the disease has deepened. Historically, patients were categorized by their most prominent symptoms; for instance, cases with severe autonomic failure were often called Shy-Drager syndrome, while those presenting with parkinsonism were labeled as Parkinson’s Plus. As research confirmed these were all manifestations of the same underlying pathology—the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain—the medical community consolidated these under the umbrella of Multiple System Atrophy to improve diagnostic consistency and research collaboration.
What are the historical and alternative names for MSA?
You may encounter various terms in medical records or legacy research papers depending on when or where the diagnosis was made. Common synonyms and historical designations include:
- Shy-Drager syndrome: Often used when autonomic dysfunction (like orthostatic hypotension) is the primary symptom.
- Striatonigral degeneration: Used historically to describe the parkinsonian-predominant form.
- Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA): Used historically to describe the cerebellar-predominant form.
- Parkinson’s Plus disease: A broad, older clinical grouping that included Multiple System Atrophy and other atypical parkinsonian disorders.
How is the condition classified in medical systems?
Standardized medical classifications now use Multiple System Atrophy to ensure global consistency. In the Orphanet database, it is listed as ORPHA:590, and in the OMIM database, it is cataloged under entries related to the alpha-synucleinopathies. Using the term Multiple System Atrophy when communicating with healthcare providers helps ensure you are accessing the most current clinical guidelines and research data.
Next steps
- Consult with a movement disorder specialist or neurologist to discuss your specific clinical presentation.
- Join the Multiple System Atrophy community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with 911 other members sharing their experiences.
- Review the latest updates on Multiple System Atrophy research via the NIH GARD portal.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- Orphanet: Multiple System Atrophy (ORPHA:590)
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)
- Multiple System Atrophy Coalition
Posted Mar 24, 2018 by [email protected] 3020
Sporadic (non-hereditary) Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA)
Striatonigral Degeneration (SND)
MSA-C (cerebellar ataxia)
MSA-P (parkinsonism)
Posted Mar 31, 2018 by Pam Bower 2952
