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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffThe rate of progression of multiple system atrophy varies from person to person, but the condition does not go into remission. As the disorder progresses, daily activities become increasingly difficult.
You may experience the following complications:
- Breathing abnormalities during sleep
- Injuries from falls associated with impaired walking
- Progressive immobility that can lead to secondary problems such as a breakdown of your skin
- Loss of ability to care for yourself in day-to-day activities (from bathing to brushing teeth)
- Vocal cord paralysis, which makes speech and breathing difficult
- Increased difficulty swallowing
People typically live about six to nine years after multiple system atrophy symptoms first appear, although some people with this condition have lived 15 years or longer. Death is often due to respiratory problems.
- Santamaria J, et al. Multiple system atrophy and sleep. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2008;3:337.
- Wein AJ. Lower urinary tract dysfunction in neurologic injury and disease. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-5/841660509/1445/62.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50061-3_4358. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Siddique N, et al. Degenerative neuropathies. In: Goetz GG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-6/0/1488/307.html?tocnode=53803248&fromURL=307.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10036-0_2717. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Gilman S, et al. Second consensus statement on the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. Neurology. 2008;71:670.
- Saper CB. Autonomic disorders and their management. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137596783-7/841660962/1492/1482.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50450-X_18987. Accessed May 14, 2009.
- Bhidayasiri R, et al. Multiple system atrophy. The Neurologist. 2008;14:224.
- Low PA, et al. Management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: An update. The Lancet Neurology. 2008;7:451.
- NINDS multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/msa_orthostatic_hypotension/msa_orthostatic_hypotension.htm. Accessed May 14, 2009.
