10 Tell-Tale Symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy

When your body's own intricate control systems begin to send confusing and unsettling signals—perhaps movements become clumsy, or vital automatic functions like blood pressure and digestion start to falter—it can be deeply concerning. This unsettling shift could mark the subtle onset of multiple system atrophy (MSA), an enigmatic and rare neurodegenerative disorder. MSA wages a stealthy battle, progressively impacting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that orchestrate both our deliberate actions and our body's essential, unconscious operations. Because its initial signs, typically emerging in one's fifties, can be elusive and sometimes mimic other conditions, recognizing its specific 'tell-tale' symptoms is an absolutely crucial first step. Unraveling these clues is vital for understanding what might be happening and for seeking timely, expert medical guidance. Here are 10 tell-tale symptoms that may indicate MSA.

1. Balance And Posture Issues

There are two main types of multiple system atrophy: Parkinsonian and cerebellar. The cerebellar type is the less common of the two. The typical symptoms involve issues with muscle coordination, otherwise known as ataxia, which can be a symptom of an overarching disease or exist by itself. This condition, like multiple system atrophy, is a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system. Patients with ataxia may look like they're drunk: their speech may be slurred, and they may stumble or fall. These balance and posture issues occur because the nerves in the cerebellum degenerate. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that coordinates muscle movements. An individual's gait may be unsteady, and they may have trouble keeping their balance. In addition, patients may have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Balance and posture issues can also occur in the Parkinsonian type of multiple system atrophy. It's very difficult to distinguish this disease from Parkinson's disease at first.