Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are diseases in which nerve cells in the brain gradually die off. This leads to various problems, especially with movement and control of the body. <\/p>\n
The accumulation and aggregation of a certain protein (alpha-synuclein) in the nerve cells probably plays an important role in both diseases.<\/p>\n
MSA is an atypical form of Parkinson’s disease. It has a prevalence of 4 to 5 cases per 100,000 people and is therefore rarer, but shows a faster progression than Parkinson’s disease. <\/p>\n
Here, too, nerve cells die, but more extensive areas of the brain and more different types of brain cells are affected. This leads to a combination of symptoms that affect both the motor system and the autonomic nervous system. <\/p>\n
Diagnosis is largely based on clinical examinations and imaging procedures. Brain imaging (cMRI, cCT) may show structural changes in the cerebellum, brainstem or basal ganglia. Unlike many other neurodegenerative diseases, MSA has a few clearly defined features that aid clinical assessment and help to provide a clearer diagnosis for the patient. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>