Please Tell Me About the Symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy.

I visited various hospitals, but the cause remained unknown until recently, when I was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. What symptoms occur with Multiple System Atrophy? And what symptoms should I be cautious about?

S.K., Tokyo

If symptoms of autonomic nervous dysfunction become severe, the condition can worsen rapidly, so please be cautious.

In the early stages of Multiple System Atrophy, common symptoms include bedwetting, falling down stairs, and worsening handwriting. Brain atrophy is often difficult to detect early, which may lead patients to visit many different doctors.

Other symptoms include fainting due to anemia or physical movements during sleep that align with dreams.

Acupuncturist Minako Yoshiike

Early Symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy

Don't Overlook Worsening Symptoms!

Three main symptoms appear: autonomic nervous dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism. Multiple System Atrophy is a progressive and rare disease, but the progression rate varies significantly among individuals. Early detection of symptoms and starting treatment or rehabilitation can help slow the progression of the disease.

Early Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction

Neurogenic bladder and orthostatic hypotension are very important indicators. When these symptoms appear in the early stages, the disease often progresses more rapidly.

Urinary Dysfunction

Bedwetting may occur. Initially, it happens occasionally, but it gradually becomes a daily issue. There may also be increased frequency of urination or leakage.
※ In men, this is often misdiagnosed as prostate enlargement, and surgery can result in a complete inability to urinate, so caution is necessary. This is a common symptom among patients visiting our clinic.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A carbohydrate-rich diet can cause fatigue or lightheadedness after meals. As the symptoms progress, blood pressure may drop suddenly when going to the bathroom at night or standing up from a chair, leading to fainting.
※ Blood pressure medications are often prescribed based on lying-down blood pressure levels (as blood pressure is higher when lying down), so many patients take medications to lower blood pressure. Always consult your primary physician.
※ Moving slowly can often help improve symptoms.

Early Symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia can often be managed effectively with acupuncture and rehabilitation.

Speech Impairment

Speech becomes slurred. Many patients struggle with phone conversations, and as the condition progresses, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
※ To prevent aspiration pneumonia, consider starting karaoke or pronunciation exercises early. Rehabilitation often helps improve speech clarity.

Gait Abnormalities

Unsteadiness and staggering occur during walking. Patients may frequently fall or tumble down stairs.
※ Be cautious, as fractures or surgeries requiring general anesthesia can lead to rapid progression of symptoms.
※ Patients are sometimes misdiagnosed with spinal stenosis and recommended for surgery, which can trigger sudden symptom progression.

Coordination and Fine Motor Skill Impairment

Patients lose the ability to move their hands accurately to the desired position. They may struggle to button clothing or find their handwriting deteriorating.

Early Symptoms of Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease. Dosage adjustments of levodopa or cardiac scintigraphy tests are commonly conducted.

Bradykinesia and Reflex Impairment

Joints become less flexible. Patients may experience freezing of gait, increased walking speed, or frequent falls when attempting to step backward. One knee may bend, causing the body to tilt.