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Abstract

Informative Abstract: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, sporadic, and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder, that currently lacks a cure. It manifests with a combination of symptoms such as parkinsonism, dysfunction of the autonomic system, impairment of the cerebellum, involvement of the pyramidal tract, and a poor response to medications targeting dopamine. The pathological features of MSA include the loss of cells, gliosis, and the presence of abnormal α-synuclein protein aggregates in oligodendroglia in various structures of the central nervous system. Clinically, MSA can be classified into two phenotypes based on the primary motor system affected: the parkinsonian variant (MSA-P) and the cerebellar variant (MSA-C). The diagnosis of MSA primarily relies on a thorough medical history and a meticulous neurological examination. Symptomatic treatment targeting various clinical manifestations and providing palliative care during the advanced stages of MSA form the cornerstone of current treatment strategies.

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Rukmani, M.R., Sathyaprabha, T.N., Yadav, R. (2024). Multiple System Atrophy. In: Oli, K.K., Shrestha, G.S., Ojha, R., Pal, P.K., Pandey, S., Das, B. (eds) Case-based Approach to Common Neurological Disorders. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8676-7_25

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