Multiple system atrophy
Support for patients
If you have been diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, your treatment and medical care will probably be the first thing on your mind. However, there are other aspects of your life to consider, and it's important to know exactly what kind of assistance is available and where you can get it.
If you are finding it hard to cope with day-to-day life,talk about your needs with your doctor or nurse, who will refer you to a social worker.Your social worker will assess exactly the kind of help you need:
- Care attendants can help with housework, dressing and washing, or even just keep you company and give your carer a break. Look into this as soon as you can,asmany care attendants have waiting lists.
- Carers Trust is an organisationthat helps carers in the UK byproviding access tobreaks, information and advice, education, training and employment opportunities. Visit the Carers Trust website at http://www.carers.org/ (links to external site) , or phone0844 800 4361.
- Meals on wheels . Contact your local council aboutits meals on wheels service.It may be able to offer financial assistance to help pay for this. Go to GOV.UK for details of your eligibility.
- Benefits You may be eligible for Income Support, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance. Get in touch with the Benefit Enquiry Line for more details on0800 882200 (textphone 0800 243355) or online at www.dwp.gov.uk (links to external site) .
- Home adaptations Occupational therapists provide a detailed assessment of your needs at home, making life easier by arranging equipment and making adaptations to your home. The aim isto create a comfortable and practical place to live during your treatment. This could mean anything from adding handrails around the house toinstalling a downstairs shower.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Multiple system atrophy is a disease of the nervous system that leads to premature death. It results in parts of the brain and spinal cord gradually becoming more damaged over time.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually start between 50 and 60 years of age, but can start any time after 30. Manydifferent functions of the body can be affected, including the urinary system, blood pressure control and m
What's the cause?
The cause of multiple system atrophy is not well understood. It doesnt appear to be inherited there's no evidence that an affected person's children will develop it. However, it's possible that bot
How common is multiple system atrophy?
Multiple system atrophy is estimated to affect around 5 in every 100,000 people worldwide. There are almost 3,000 people in the UK living with the disease.
How is it diagnosed?
There is no specific test to diagnose multiple system atrophy. A diagnosis can usually be made based on the symptoms, although it can potentially be confused with Parkinson's disease. The box on thi
How is it treated?
Unfortunately, there is nocure for multiple system atrophy and no way of slowing the disease's progression. People with multiple system atrophy typically live for six to nine years after symptoms sta
Support for carers
If you're a carer of someone with multiple system atrophy, it's important to remember that you're not alone and that there is support available. By law, you're entitled to a free health and social car
Support for patients
If you have been diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, your treatment and medical care will probably be the first thing on your mind. However, there are other aspects of your life to consider, and i
Information about you
If you have multiple system atrophy, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists l
More information and support
Multiple System Atrophy Trust The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is the UK's main charity supporting people with the disease, as well as their families, carers and the health professionals treating t
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