neurologic disorders
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
Key Points
Multiple system atrophy can include parkinsonian symptoms, cerebellar abnormalities, and autonomic insufficiency in various degrees of severity. Diagnose this disorder based on clinical, autonomic, and MRI findings, but consider Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, pure autonomic failure, autonomic neuropathies, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple cerebral infarcts, and medication-induced parkinsonism, which can all cause similar symptoms. Use treatments specific for the symptoms present. 