Introduction to MSA

Trust helps helps: Multiple System Atrophy Trust

The MSA Trust Trustwas wasformed formedinin1997 1997and andour ourvision vision is a world world free of MSA. We are committed to making this happen by How we help:

promoting and supporting research into MSAfind to researching MSA to increase understanding, increase understanding, find the cause and, the cause and, ultimately, a cure.

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is the UK and ultimately, its cure. the Republic of Ireland’s leading charity supporting people affected by multiple system atrophy (MSA).

We also work to support those affected by MSA, their carers, family and friends throughout their We work to support people living with MSA, journey. We do this by providing: their carers, family and friends throughout their • Specialist MSA Nurse telephone and email journey. do this by providing: • MSA We Nurse Specialist telephone and support service. email support service.

• An MSA Health Care Specialist telephone and • email support service.

Multiple System Atrophy Trust Information, support, support,education educationand andresearch research Information,

Multiple System Atrophy Trust

Information, support, education and research To join the please visit our our website, To join the Trust Trust please visit website, telephone, emailplease or writevisit to us: us: To register with the Trust our website, telephone, email or to telephone or e-mail us

•• Information Social Welfare Specialists providing support and fact sheets about living with obtaining benefits, entitlements, care needs with MSA. • assessments Information and factsheets about living and related issues. with MSA. • AnetworkoflocalSupport Groups located around the UK and Eirefactsheets and a supportive • Information resources, and • A network of local Support Groups located webinars about living with MSA. online forum. around the UK and Eire and supportive up-to-date information online forums.

•• Accurate A network of digital and in-personthrough Support

An introduction to

multiple system

atrophy (MSA)

located around the UK and Eire and • Groups Accurate up-to-date information through ‘MSA News’, our regular magazine, and

the peer-led online forum through our website.

‘MSA News’, our regular magazine, and www.healthunlocked.com/msa-trust through our website.

• Education and support to health and care •• Accurate, information our professionals with peoplethrough with MSA. Educationup-to-date andworking support for health and care and Twitter. website and MSA News, our regular magazine. professionals working with people with MSA. The MSA Trust is funded entirely by voluntary • Education supportentirely for health and care The MSA Trustand is funded by voluntary professionals working with people with MSA. donations and all our services to people affected

by MSA are offered free of charge.

We are committed to promoting and supporting research into MSA to increase understanding, find the cause and, ultimately, its cure.

The MSA Trust is funded entirely by voluntary donations and all our services to people affected

by MSA are offered free of charge.

Multiple System @msatrust @msatrust Multiple System Multiple System@msatrust @msatrust Atrophy Trust Trust Atrophy Trust Atrophy

www.msatrust.org.uk T: 0333 323 4591 | E: support@msatrust.org.uk 51 St Olav's Court, Lower Road, London, SE16 2XB

An Introduction to Multiple SystemSystem Atrophy Trust Multiple Atrophy (MSA) www.msatrust.org.uk Multiple System Atrophy Trust 0333 323 4591

Registered Charity 1137652 (England & Wales) and SC044535 (Scotland) Registered inEngland as Company: 7302036 Registered inEngland as Company: 7302036

Founded by Sarah Matheson

0333 323 4591 | support@msatrust.org.uk

Multiple System Atrophy Trust

www.msatrust.org.uk

healthunlocked.com/msa-trust Registered Charity 1137652 (England & Wales) and SC044535 (Scotland) Registered in England as Company: 7302036

www.msatrust.org.uk 0333 323 4591

What is MSA? Multiple system atrophy is a progressive neurological disease that causes nerve cells to shrink in different areas of the brain. This leads to problems with movement, speech, balance and autonomic body functions such as bladder and blood pressure control.

Damage to the area for coordination and balance can lead to symptoms such as: •

feeling clumsy or dropping things

•

feeling unsteady in crowds

•

inability to balance without support

•

slurred speech.

•

MSA affects around 4.5 people per 100,000, meaning around 3,300 people are living with it in the UK and Eire.

Damage to the area controlling bodily functions which occur without us being aware (autonomic), can lead to symptoms that include:

•

It affects males and females and symptoms usually start between 40 - 60 years of age.

•

various bladder issues which may change over time

•

sexual dysfunction

•

feeling dizzy or fainting because of blood pressure problems

•

pain around the neck and shoulders.

What are the symptoms of MSA? MSA affects three different regions of the brain and this is why each person with MSA has individual symptoms.

Damage to the area affecting movement (Parkinsonism) may lead to: •

loss of balance and lack of coordination

•

feeling slow and stiff when moving

•

noticeable changes to handwriting.

How is MSA Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of MSA is made by a neurologist recognising a combination of symptoms and signs.

This is known as a clinical diagnosis.

In its early stages it is extremely difficult to diagnose MSA, as the symptoms are common to other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Cerebellar Ataxia.

It is quite normal to be diagnosed with another disease before being diagnosed with MSA. This reflects the progress of the condition and not the skill of the specialist.

Treatment of MSA Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MSA. Its complex nature means that the best treatment is likely to include a combination of medication, specialised equipment and various therapies to manage individual symptoms.