What to Know About Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and rapidly progressing neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and autonomic functions. This page explains what MSA is, how it progresses, common symptoms, and Teva’s work in MSA science, including research priorities and efforts to improve understanding.

What is MSA? 

MSA is a rare, rapidly progressive neurological disease 01 02. It can affect movement, balance, and automatic body functions such as blood pressure and bladder control. 02 03

"Progressive“ means that symptoms will worsen over time.

Who is affected by MSA?

MSA affects both men and women. Symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 40 and 60. 04

How is MSA different from Parkinson's disease?

MSA can look similar to Parkinson’s disease, and doctors sometimes confuse the two. 05

However, MSA usually progresses more rapidly and does not respond well to Parkinson’s disease medications. 01

Unlike Parkinson's Disease, patients with MSA do not usually have tremors when they are still and relaxed. 07

While treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for MSA. 06

What causes MSA?

The exact cause of MSA is unknown, but it involves the breakdown of nerve cells in different parts of the brain.01

Scientists have found that nerve cells in the brain shrink due to the buildup and clumping together of a protein called alpha-synuclein. 01 02 The specific areas of the brain that are affected will cause the symptoms experienced by someone with MSA. 01

How does MSA progress over time?

For many people, the first symptoms of MSA appear around the age of 60, though this can vary. 04

Life expectancy after diagnosis is typically around 6–10 years, although this can also vary between people. 08

The disease steadily worsens over time, causing serious problems with movement and involuntary body functions, like blood pressure control and digestion. 02 05 The progressive nature of the condition leads to severe motor and autonomic dysfunction. 02 03

What are the symptoms of MSA?

Motor symptoms (Parkinson-like features)

Motor symptoms include muscles feeling stiff, slow movements, problems with balance, and a jerky tremor. 01 Resting tremor is less common in people with MSA than in those with Parkinson's disease. 07

Coordination and balance symptoms

These include finding it difficult to balance, making precise movements (such as handwriting), and controlling eye movements. 01 02 05 06

Autonomic (involuntary function) symptoms

Autonomic functions are physical processes that happen without a person consciously controlling them. These include breathing, digesting food, and heart rate. 02 05

MSA impacts the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls these functions. This can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure when standing (leading to dizziness), problems with urinating or incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. 01 02 06

Patients may also have reduced sweating, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and sleep problems. 01

How do doctors diagnose someone with MSA?

Currently, there is no specific medical test for MSA. However, doctors may suspect MSA based on a combination of symptoms affecting movement, balance, and autonomic functions. 01 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and other specialized tests can help doctors diagnose this disease. 02

What is the treatment and management for MSA?

At the moment, there is no cure for MSA, so treatment plans focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. 01 02

Treatments include increasing blood volume with salt and water, using compression garments, and raising the head while resting, which can help reduce symptoms of low blood pressure in people with MSA. 02 06

Parkinson-like symptoms, such as tremor or muscle stiffness, may be treated with medications.01 Laxatives can help relieve constipation, which is a common symptom in people with MSA. 06

Key facts about MSA

• MSA can cause slow, stiff, and shaky movements, unsteady gait, tremors, and poor coordination. 01 It can also lead to issues with blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. 02 05
• Diagnosis is based on clinical, autonomic, and MRI findings. 01 02
• There is no cure for MSA; treatment focuses on managing symptoms. 01 02

Teva’s commitment to innovative medicines

Teva Pharmaceuticals is a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to advancing treatments for neurological diseases. Our commitment to MSA is executed through strategic collaborations, such as the current collaboration with MODAG GmbH, and the development of promising treatments aimed at providing better health for people suffering from MSA worldwide.

References

NPS-ALL-NP-01709 FEBRUARY 2026