Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms of autonomic nervous system failure such as fainting spells and bladder control problems, combined with motor control symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and loss of muscle coordination. MSA affects both men and women primarily in their 50s.  Although what causes MSA is unknown, the disorder's symptoms reflect the loss of nerve cells in several different areas in the brain and spinal cord that control the autonomic nervous system and coordinate muscle movements.  The loss of nerve cells may be due to the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that relays motor commands in the brain. There is no cure for MSA. Currently, there are no treatments to delay the progress of neurodegeneration in the brain. But there are treatments available to help people cope with some of the more disabling symptoms of MSA. The disease tends to advance rapidly over the course of 9 to 10 years, with progressive loss of motor skills, eventual confinement to bed, and death. There is no remission from the disease. There is currently no cure. The NINDS supports research about MSA through grants to major medical institutions across the country. In 2007, the NINDS sponsored a consensus conference that brought together experts from around the world to review and update the diagnostic criteria for MSA. These new diagnostic guidelines are helping doctors make quicker and more accurate diagnoses of MSA. A great deal of research is ongoing to learn why synuclein buildup occurs in MSA and Parkinson’s disease, and how to prevent it. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?term=multiple%20system%20atrophy%5Bmajr%5D%20AND%20human%5Bmh%5D%20AND%20english%5Bla%5D%20AND%20%28review%5Bptyp%5D%20OR%20review%20literature%5Bmh%5D%20OR%20practice%20guideline%5Bptyp%5D%20OR%20guideline%5Bptyp%5D%20OR%20clinical%20trials%5Bmh%5D%20OR%20clinical%20trial%5Bptyp%5D%20OR%20consumerj%5Bsb%5D%29&db=pubmed&amp=&orig_db=PubMed&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=added%20to%20PubMed%20in%20the%20last%201%20years&cmd=search 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/msa/pubs_msa.htm /disorders/msa/xml_msa.xml xml_msa.xml V802 Dysautonomia Foundation

315 W. 39th Street

Suite 701 New York NY 10018 info@familialdysautonomia.org http://www.familialdysautonomia.org 212-279-1066 212-279-2066 Non-profit organization that supports medical research grants and clinical care; provides information; and offers chapters nationwide and overseas. V705 Familial Dysautonomia Hope Foundation, Inc. (FD Hope)

121 South Estes Drive

Suite 205-D Chapel Hill NC 27514-2868 info@fdhope.org http://www.fdhope.org 919-969-1414 Non-profit organization that works to expand and accelerate research towards a cure for familial dysautonomia and to improve the lives of children and adults challenged by the disease. Funds research programs, provides a support network for patients and families, and promotes education and awareness in the medical community and public. V60 National Dysautonomia Research Foundation

P.O. Box 301

Red Wing MN 55066-0301 ndrf@ndrf.org http://www.ndrf.org 651-267-0525 651-267-0524 Non-profit foundation established to help those afflicted with any of the various forms of dysautonomia. Provides a support network for affected individuals and family members by providing information on the various forms of dysautonomia, as well as providing contacts to other organizations that may be of assistance. V206 Shy-Drager/Multiple System Atrophy Support Group, Inc.

8311 Brier Creek Parkway

Suite 105-434 Raleigh NC 27617 vjames@shy-drager.org or jbiedenharn@shy-drager.org http://www.shy-drager.org 1-866-737-5999 National support group that collects and disseminates information and promotes education and support for people affected by Shy-Drager Syndrome or multiple system atrophy.