CARE ASSISTANT
ETMultiple System Atrophy (MSA)
A rare, progressive neurological disease affecting automatic functions.
Multiple system atrophy affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure and bladder control among other things.
Urinary symptoms: difficulty emptying the bladder, retention, leaks linked to a neurogenic bladder. Intermittent self-catheterisation is often part of the care, with the neurology team.
More Informations
A rare neurological disease that affects the bladder and blood pressure early.
Definition
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure, digestion and the bladder. Unlike Parkinson's disease, which it resembles, urinary symptoms often appear in the early stages.
Causes
An abnormal build-up of a protein, alpha-synuclein, in certain cells of the brain and spinal cord. The nerves that control the bladder and its sphincter gradually lose their function.
Diagnosis
- Neurological examination and testing for blood pressure drops on standing.
- Brain MRI showing suggestive signs in the brainstem.
- Urodynamic assessment and, depending on the case, sphincter electromyography.
Treatments
There is not yet a treatment that stops the disease, but every symptom can be supported: medicines for blood pressure and bladder, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and urinary management adapted over time, from protections to catheterisation and sometimes an indwelling catheter. A neurology team and a continence nurse build this follow-up with the family.
When bed rest becomes permanent, the Combi Ultra brief with tabs and its wetness indicator lets caregivers change at the right moment without unnecessary handling. Combined with a Mati underpad and skin care at every change, it can help help prevent pressure sores.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.