Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): Shedding Light on a Rare but Devastating Disease

March is Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month. This is an important time to bring attention to this complex disease that is rare and difficult to diagnose. 01

Multiple system atrophy, or MSA, is a rare, rapidly progressive, and serious neurological condition. 01 02 ‘Progressive’ means that symptoms will worsen over time. MSA gradually affects the brain’s ability to control movement, balance, and important functions like blood pressure and bladder control. 02 03 Men or women may develop MSA from the age of 40–60 years. 04

MSA can look similar to Parkinson’s disease, and doctors sometimes confuse the two. 05 However, MSA usually gets worse more quickly and doesn’t respond well to Parkinson’s disease medications. 01 While treatments can help manage symptoms, currently there is no cure for MSA. 06

What causes MSA?

The exact cause of MSA is unknown, but it involves the breakdown of nerve cells in different parts of the brain. 01 Scientists have found that nerve cells in the brain shrink due to a protein called alpha-synuclein building up and clumping together. 01 02 The specific areas of the brain that are affected will cause the symptoms experienced by someone with multiple system atrophy. 01

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MSA typically appears in adults around the age of 60, affecting both men and women. Life expectancy, after diagnosis, is about 6-10 years.
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The disease steadily worsens over time, causing serious problems with movement and automatic body functions like blood pressure control and digestion, with relentless progression leading to severe motor and autonomic dysfunction.

Signs and symptoms: What to watch for

MSA affects many parts of the body, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. The first signs of multiple system atrophy can vary, but often include some of the following:

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Parkinson-like symptoms

These include muscles feeling stiff, slow movements, problems with balance, and a jerky tremor. 01 Unlike Parkinson's Disease, patients with MSA do not usually have tremors when they are still and relaxed. 07
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Coordination problems

These include finding it difficult to balance, making precise movements (such as handwriting), and controlling eye movements.01 02 05 06
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Autonomic symptoms

These are actions that happen without the individual thinking about them, such as breathing, digesting food, and their heart beating. 02 05 Patients with MSA may have low blood pressure when standing (leading to dizziness), problems with urinating or incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. 01 02 06 Patients may also have reduced sweating, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and problems with sleep. 01

How do doctors diagnose someone with multiple system atrophy?

Doctors may suspect MSA based on a combination of symptoms affecting movement, balance, and autonomic functions. 01 There is no specific medical test for MSA. However, magnetic resonance imaging scans and other specialized tests can help doctors diagnose this disease. 02

What is the treatment and management for MSA?

At the moment, there is no cure for multiple system atrophy, so treatment plans focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. 01 02 Treatments include increasing blood volume with salt and water, using compression garments, and raising the head while resting. 02 06 Parkinson-like symptoms, such as tremor or muscle stiffness, may be treated with medications. 01 Other symptoms like constipation may be treated with laxatives. 06

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Teva’s Commitment to Innovative Medicines

Teva Pharmaceuticals is a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to advancing treatments for neurological diseases. Our commitment to MSA is executed through strategic collaborations, such as the current collaboration with MODAG, and development of promising treatments aimed at providing better health for people suffering from MSA across the globe.

References

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    MSA trust. A guide to multiple system atrophy. Available at: msatrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/BK001-Guide-to-MSA-V4.0.pdf [Accessed March 2025].

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    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy [Accessed March 2025].

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    Multiple system atrophy (MSA). Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed March 2025].

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    MSA trust. Brief Guide to MSA. Available at: msatrust.org.uk/what-is-msa/brief-guide-to-msa/ [Accessed March 2025].

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    National Organization for Rare Disorders. Multiple System Atrophy. Available at: rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-system-atrophy/ [Accessed March 2025].

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    Mayo Clinic. Multiple system atrophy. Available at: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-system-atrophy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356157 [Accessed March 2025].

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    Su D, et al. Front Neurol. 2020 Jul 10;11:540.

NPS-ALL-NP-01517 | March 2025