Stage 3. The Mid-Stage of MSA
Entering the third stage of Multiple System Atrophy, patients are likely to experience a notable impact on their daily lives. The symptoms become more severe, and there is an increased dependency on others for support with everyday tasks.
By the time MSA reaches stage 3, mobility issues become quite prominent. Balance problems may evolve to the point where walking unassisted becomes difficult. Patients might need to rely on assistive devices such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair to move around.
Furthermore, the shuffling gait observed in stage 2 often worsens at this point, and there might be a noticeable stiffness in the limbs, a condition known as rigidity. This can further hinder mobility and increase the risk of falls.
Autonomic dysfunction, a feature of MSA that affects the automatic functions of the body, often becomes significantly pronounced in stage 3. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as severe orthostatic hypotension, bowel incontinence, or an inability to control body temperature. (3)
