brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy
A doctor's evaluation Magnetic resonance imaging Tests to evaluate the autonomic nervous system The diagnosis of multiple system atrophy is based on a doctor's evaluation and results of certain tests. For example, doctors may suspect multiple system atrophy if parkinsonian symptoms are rapidly worsening andlevodopa(used to treat Parkinson disease) has little or no effect on symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually done to check for certain changes in the brain. Diagnosis are done. They include the thermoregulatory sweat test and measurement of blood pressure while the person is sitting and after the person stands to check for orthostatic hypotension. If MRI shows changes that suggest multiple system atrophy and test results are abnormal, multiple system atrophy is likely. 