Symptoms and Complications of Multiple System Atrophy
MSA can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- stiffness or rigidity
- freezing or slowed movements
- postural instability; loss of balance; incoordination
- Orthostatic hypotension, or a significant fall in blood pressure when standing, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision
- male impotence
- urinary difficulties
- constipation
- speech and swallowing difficulties
- blurred vision
Complications of MSA
MSA progresses over the course of several years to cause more widespread and severe symptoms. Orthostatic hypotension can cause fainting and falls. Loss of coordination, slowed movements, and rigidity can interfere with activities of daily living. Some patients with MSA have mild loss of cognitive abilities, with impairments in attention and speed of thinking.
