Multiple System Atrophy

Overview

Multiple system atrophy is an uncommon, progressive nervous system (neurological) disorder that affects many areas of your brain and nervous system. Multiple system atrophy potentially impairs your body's systems that modulate your blood pressure, heart rate and bladder function (autonomic function). People who have this condition also have symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (parkinsonism), including tremor, rigidity and balance problems.

Multiple system atrophy also commonly affects the brain's coordination and balance center (the cerebellum) and may be mistaken for other cerebellar conditions, such as those occurring on a genetic basis. Unlike certain other neurodegenerative disorders, multiple system atrophy typically doesn't significantly impair thinking and memory.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Team approach. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) work together with doctors in many other areas to care for people who have multiple system atrophy.
• Experience. Mayo Clinic neurologists and other doctors have experience diagnosing and treating multiple system atrophy.
• Research. Mayo Clinic staff actively studies multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery.

Read more about multiple system atrophy at MayoClinic.com.