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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Multi system atrophy research
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Multi system atrophy research
by Ian__0, Jul 09, 1998 12:00AM
My father has multi system atrophy, diagnosed 4 years ago, already he is unable to walk.
Can anyone suggest any treatment or someone who might be able to help him or make his life a bit more comfortable or slow down the progress of his condition.
Is there any current research being carried out where a guinea pig is needed ?
I do hope that someone can help.
Ian
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Multisystem atrophy is a devastating disease. Some symptoms may be treatable, but other symptoms may be beyond the reach of medications. It depends on the individual patient. For that reason, we try using medications for Parkinson's disease and sometimes are successful.
I am not aware of any ongoing clinical trials of treatment programs for MSA. Most of the recent (10-15 years) literature has been in characterization of the disease from the pathologic point of view (what the brain looks like under the microscope) and trying to improve our ability to diagnose the disease and tell it apart from Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
In general, there is a great interest in neurodegenerative processes and the possibility of neuroprotection. That is, at a basic level, what causes groups of brain cells to die (whether it's MSA, Parkinson's, or other types of degenerative diseases). If we get a good handle on that mechanism(s), we may be able to develop medications or strategies to prevent, limit, or reverse the loss of cells. But we're a long way off. As above, I am not aware of any current trials of medications which could do that.
On the other hand, there are some basic things which can be done for treatment of MSA. If your father has not tried antiparkinson drugs systematically, he should consider that. For blood pressure drops, we have new medications (such as Pro-Amatine) which can be quite helpful.
You are welcome to call 800 223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments, specify the movement disorders program, and have your father evaluated. Of course, no one can promise that he would get better, but a second opinion and fresh perspective may help him in some way.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
