10 Tell-Tale Symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy

9. Stridor: Noisy, Labored Breathing During Sleep

A particularly alarming and "tell-Tale" indication is stridor—a harsh, high-pitched, or crowing sound made during inhalation, especially noticeable when the person is asleep. This unnerving sound occurs because the vocal cords, controlled by nerves impacted by MSA, don't open properly or may even partially close during breathing. This narrowing of the airway creates the distinct, labored noise. Stridor is a serious symptom as it can indicate significant upper airway obstruction and points to compromised neurological control over vital respiratory functions.

10. Impotence / Severe Erectile Dysfunction: An Early Autonomic Failure

For men, the early and unexplained onset of severe erectile dysfunction can be a very significant, though often under-discussed, "tell-tale" sign of MSA's autonomic failure. The complex physiological processes required for achieving and maintaining an erection are heavily dependent on intact autonomic nerve function. When these nerves degenerate due to MSA, this ability can be profoundly impaired, often appearing well before more generalized motor symptoms become prominent. It's a sensitive but crucial indicator of the nervous system's widespread decline.