A progressive disorder affecting the central and autonomic nervous systems, multiple system atrophy (MSA) manifests with orthostatic hypotension, resulting in dizziness or fainting upon standing. Although MSA can occur without orthostatic hypotension, this is uncommon.
The disorder is categorized into three types:
- Parkinsonian-type, exhibiting symptoms akin to Parkinson’s disease such as slow movement, muscle stiffness, and tremors.
- Cerebellar-type, characterized by coordination and speech difficulties.
- Combined-type, presenting symptoms of both parkinsonism and cerebellar dysfunction. Early in the disease progression, issues like urinary incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction in men often arise.
Additional symptoms may include generalized weakness, double vision or other visual disturbances, breathing and swallowing difficulties, sleep disturbances, and reduced sweating.