Please tell me about the symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy.

I had been diagnosed at various hospitals, but it was unclear until I was recently diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. What kind of symptoms appear with Multiple System Atrophy? Also, what symptoms should I be cautious about?

Tokyo S.K.

If symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are severe, they can worsen rapidly, so be cautious.

In the early stages of Multiple System Atrophy, bedwetting, falling down stairs, and declining handwriting skills are common. Brain atrophy is often not detected early, leading to visits to multiple doctors.

Other symptoms may include fainting due to anemia and body movements during sleep in response to dreams.

Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

Written by

Moriue Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

With 37 years of experience in treating Multiple System Atrophy, utilizing different diagnostic methods like medical thermography, he has examined and treated over 200,000 patients, achieving significant results. He calls himself a "Thermographer." Specializing in acupuncture treatment for Multiple System Atrophy, he analyzes autonomic nervous and stress states from data to tailor treatments for each patient. Born on the Day of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 62 years old.

Urinary Disorders

There may be instances of bedwetting. Initially, this occurs occasionally but may become a daily occurrence over time. There may also be an increase in the frequency of urination or instances of incontinence.
* In men, it is important to note that if diagnosed with prostate enlargement and surgery is performed, it may result in complete urinary retention. This is a common symptom among patients attending our clinic.

Orthostatic Hypotension

After a carbohydrate-rich meal, there may be a loss of energy or fainting. As symptoms progress, there may be instances of fainting when getting up to use the restroom at night or when standing up from a chair.
* Blood pressure medications are often prescribed based on blood pressure while lying down. Consult with your primary care physician.
* Symptoms often improve with slower movements.

Initial Symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia can often be maintained in a good state with acupuncture and rehabilitation.

Speech Disorders

Slurred speech becomes more prevalent. Many people find it challenging to hold a conversation over the phone, and as the condition progresses, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
* To prevent aspiration pneumonia, consider early activities such as karaoke or pronunciation practice. Rehabilitation can often improve speech.

Walking Abnormalities

There is unsteadiness or instability in walking. Falling down stairs or tripping becomes more frequent.
* Be cautious of rapid symptom progression if a fracture occurs or if surgery under general anesthesia is required.
* Spinal canal stenosis may be diagnosed, and surgery may be recommended, but this often leads to rapid symptom progression post-surgery.

Measurement and Dexterity Impairments

There is difficulty reaching the desired position with the hands. Buttoning clothes or handwriting deteriorates.

Initial Symptoms of Parkinsonism

It is often mistaken for Parkinson's disease. Adjustments to levodopa dosages or cardiac scintigraphy examinations are conducted.

Slow Movements and Reflex Impairments

Joints do not move smoothly. There may be instances where the feet freeze, walking speed increases, or falls occur when attempting to walk backward. One knee may bend, causing the body to lean.

Acupuncture Outpatient Care for Multiple System Atrophy

We perform examinations from a different perspective than doctors and incorporate them into acupuncture treatments.

Examine Body Tilt

In Olive-Pons cerebellar atrophy, as body tilt increases, symptoms are more likely to progress, so we examine body tilt. We identify the postural muscles causing the tilt and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Examine Autonomic Nervous System Status

In Multiple System Atrophy, autonomic dysfunction often precedes symptom worsening. Disorders of the autonomic nervous center appear as changes in body surface temperature, so we analyze temperature to anticipate deterioration and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Examine Blood Flow to the Brain

Patients with progressing Multiple System Atrophy often have impaired cerebral blood flow. Since blood flow changes based on posture, we assess cerebral blood flow in the most common daily postures and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Stimulate Acupuncture Points Based on Examination Results

Based on the examination results, we stimulate specific acupuncture points, making it possible to provide highly effective acupuncture treatment for Multiple System Atrophy.