Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs the body's autonomic (involuntary) functions and motor control. It affects multiple systems simultaneously, leading to symptoms like orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, and significant movement difficulties, as nerve cells in specific brain regions gradually deteriorate. What body systems are affected by Multiple Systems Atrophy? Multiple Systems Atrophy causes widespread disruption by affecting the nervous system, which acts as the body's command center.
2 people with Multiple Systems Atrophy have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
What is Multiple Systems Atrophy
What is Multiple Systems Atrophy? Plain-language, medically reviewed definition plus the lived reality told by patients.
Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs the body's autonomic (involuntary) functions and motor control. It affects multiple systems simultaneously, leading to symptoms like orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, and significant movement difficulties, as nerve cells in specific brain regions gradually deteriorate.
What body systems are affected by Multiple Systems Atrophy?
Multiple Systems Atrophy causes widespread disruption by affecting the nervous system, which acts as the body's command center. Because the condition damages areas of the brain responsible for autonomic regulation and motor coordination, it impacts several key systems:
- Circulatory System: Causes orthostatic hypotension (a dangerous drop in blood pressure upon standing).
- Urinary & Digestive Systems: Frequently leads to urinary retention and bowel dysfunction.
- Muscular System: Results in slow movements, stiffness, and one-sided weakness.
- Respiratory System: Can cause central sleep apnea and stridor (high-pitched breathing sounds).
How common is Multiple Systems Atrophy and who does it affect?
Multiple Systems Atrophy is considered a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 3 to 5 cases per 100,000 people. Onset typically occurs in the late 50s, and it affects both men and women, though some studies suggest a slightly higher incidence in males. Currently, 911 people with Multiple Systems Atrophy have joined the DiseaseMaps community to share their experiences and support one another.
How does Multiple Systems Atrophy differ from other conditions?
While Multiple Systems Atrophy is often called "Parkinson’s Plus" because it shares motor symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, it is distinct in its rapid progression and autonomic involvement. Key clinical identifiers include:
- Early and severe autonomic failure (like fainting or urinary issues).
- Poor or limited response to standard Parkinson’s medications (e.g., levodopa).
- Presence of "hot cross bun sign" on MRI scans, which can assist in clinical differentiation.
Next steps
- Consult a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders for a comprehensive clinical assessment.
- Connect with the 911 members of the DiseaseMaps community to share insights and coping strategies.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly to manage orthostatic hypotension safely.
- Discuss clinical trial eligibility with your specialist to explore emerging research.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Multiple System Atrophy.
- Orphanet: Rare Disease Database (ORPHA:591).
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man): Entry #146500.
- The MSA Coalition: Patient support and clinical research resources.
Posted Mar 24, 2018 by [email protected] 3020
You can think of MSA like the three flavored Neapolitan ice cream. Everyone with MSA gets a scoop of the MSA ice cream just as everyone at a birthday party gets a scoop of Neopolitan ice cream in their dish. If you were at the party and looked at your dish and at the dish of the person next to you, you would notice that there is not the exact same amount of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry in both of the dishes.
In someone with Multiple System Atrophy, if their early symptoms are mainly CEREBELLAR like ataxia (loss of balance), slurred speech or difficulty swallowing they have mostly vanilla ice cream in their dish.
If their symptoms are mainly PARKINSONISM like tremors and slowness of movement they have mostly chocolate ice cream in their dish.
If their symptoms are mainly AUTONOMIC like neurogenic orthostatic hypotension or urinary incontinence, urinary retention or sexual dysfunction they have mostly strawberry ice cream in their dish.
Everyone needs to have some strawberry symptoms to have possible MSA.
On top of this they need to have some vanilla and some chocolate symptoms too.
Note that they may have a whole lot of vanilla and a tiny bit of chocolate. If so they are called MSA-C (cerebellar).
If they have a whole lot of chocolate and a tiny bit of vanilla they are called MSA-P (parkinsonism).
People with MSA have a changing bowl of ice cream though, their vanilla and chocolate and strawberry amounts increase over time as they develop more symptoms from the cerebellar or the parkinsons or the autonomic sides but this will vary from person to person. This is because the disease is spreading throughout the brain and is affecting different brain regions. It does not spread exactly the same way in every person.
Posted Mar 31, 2018 by Pam Bower 2952
