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Sleep Abnormalities in MultipleSystem Atrophy

  • Sleep Disorders (A Iranzo, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review was to explore the different sleep disorders associated with MSA, their mechanisms, and their treatments.

Recent findings

Stridor is a red flag for the diagnosis of MSA. Recent findings show that its presence in early stage of the disease is associated with a reduction in life expectancy. Its management should be fast and adapted. Its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure or tracheostomy is efficacious.

Summary

Sleep disorders in MSA are frequent and severe combining insomnia, daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome (RLS), REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Sleep recordings confirm these disorders. Mechanisms involved in these disorders are complex associating (a) lesions of the pathways regulating sleep and wake or mood but also controlling movement, (b) iatrogenic effects of the treatments, and (3) consequences of the motor or dysautonomic symptoms. RBD prevalence is very high at the beginning of the motor symptoms but then seems to disappear.

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References and Recommended Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pôle sommeil et neurologie, Clinique Beau Soleil, 119 avenue de Lodève, 34070, Montpellier, France

    Valérie Cochen De Cock MD, PhD

  2. EuroMov, University of Montpellier, 700 Avenue du Pic Saint Loup, 34090, Montpellier, France

    Valérie Cochen De Cock MD, PhD

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  1. Valérie Cochen De Cock MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Valérie Cochen De Cock MD, PhD.

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All reported studies with human subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Sleep Disorders

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Cochen De Cock, V. Sleep Abnormalities in MultipleSystem Atrophy. Curr Treat Options Neurol 20, 16 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-018-0503-8

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