> Hello to All; I am new to the list . I saw the mention of MSA in a
>posting and have a question. what is MSA and how does it differ from PD.
> I have had PD for three years now but seem to be on a fast track rather
>than slow and progressive. Thanks for any help. Chuck Sarley From E.
>PA
>
Hi Chuck-- I haven't seen any answer yet to your query re: MSA = Multiple
Systems Atrophy. Here are some sites you can check to get more details. It
is one of the "PD Plus" syndromes, which resemble PD but are distinct also,
and may be hard to doagnose except by a Movement Disorder Specialist. They
usually do progress faster, and are not responsive to Sinemet. I quote
one source:
" Parkinsonian symptoms may also appear in patients with other, clearly
distinct neurological disorders such as Shy-Drager syndrome (sometimes
called multiple system atrophy), progressive supranuclear palsy, Wilson's
disease, Huntington's disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Alzheimer's
disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and
post-traumatic encephalopathy. "
But PLEASE remember that only a neuro can tell you if you have one of
these--don't jump to conclusions and scare yourself unnecessarily.
Adjusting meds can also make a difference, too.
This is a URL for one site--- http://www.parkinson.org/atrophy.htm
Another that has been suggested is : "Differential Diagnosis of PD and
Parkinsonism Plus
Syndromes" at:
http://www.ionet.net/~jcott/homepage/archive/091.html
This was authored by Mark Stacy, MD & J. Jankovic, MD and very informative.
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 82/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
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on the web at http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/genugten/flinterm.htm
and also at http://www.geocities.com/camillahf/index.html
"Ask me about the CARE list for Caregivers of Parkinsonians ! "
And visit the CARE webring at
http://www.crosswinds.net/~caregivers/index.html
