Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a
degenerative neurological disorder. MSA is associated with the degeneration of
nerve cells in specific areas of the
brain. This cell degeneration causes problems with movement, balance, and
autonomic functions of the body such as bladder control or blood-pressure regulation. The cause of MSA is unclear and no specific risk factors have been identified, although research indicates that a
prion form of the
alpha-synuclein protein may be the cause of the disease.