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Ataxia
Bradykinesia
Choreoathetosis
Corticobasal Degeneration
Dyskinesias (Paroxysmal)
Dystonia
Essential Tremor
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Huntington's Disease
Multiple System Atrophy
Myoclonus
Parkinson's Disease
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Restless Legs Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Spasticity
Sydenham's Chorea
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tics
Tourette's Syndrome
Tremor
Wilson Disease
 

Treatment of Multiple System Atrophy

A number of drugs can be used to treat the various symptoms of MSA, although they become less effective as the disease progresses.

  • Levodopa and dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's disease are sometimes effective for the slowness and rigidity of MSA.
  • Orthostatic hypotension can be improved with fludrocortisone, midodrine, or other drugs that raise blood pressure.
  • Male impotence may be treated with penile implants or drugs.
  • Incontinence may be treated with medications or catheterization.
  • Constipation may improve with increased dietary fiber or laxatives.
  • A speech-language pathologist may be able to offer strategies for improving swallowing and speaking. Use of softer foods may improve the ability to swallow. A gastrostomy tube, which delivers foods directly to the stomach, is occasionally needed later in the disease course.