Multiple System Atrophy

    
      Re: Multiple System Atrophy
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on May 05, 1997 at 13:54:04:

In Reply to: Multiple System Atrophy posted by Bill on April 28, 1997 at 17:12:09:

: I have a friend who has recently been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. We are looking for more information that would be helpful for her and her family to understand and deal with her condition. we have found a few things at the NIDS web site and MGH web site, but are still hoping to find other info.
  Knowing what you're facing is the first part of the battle.
  Thanks for any help.
  Bill
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Multiple system atrophy is a generic term used to describe a group of degenerative disorders of the brain that variably affect parts of the brain controlling coordination, movement, and so called autonomic functions--- those involving regulation of blood pressure, digestion/urination/defacation, sweating etc.--- so called visceral functions. The disease typically first presents with symptoms of damage to one of these systems, but ultimately progresses to affect the others as well over time. Unfortunately, the disease is typically terminal and generally untreatable, although different medications may be tried to give symptomatic relief from individual problems/symptoms related to malfunctioning of each of the affected symptoms. There is no known cause for the disease to date. You may be able to get additional patient education materials from either the Alzheimer's Association [(800)-272-3900], the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) (800)-438-4380, or the Alzheimer's Foundation (918)-481-6031. These may be good sources for support groups as well as possibly for more info. on MSA.