{
  "id": 11467485,
  "title": "World MSA Day 2026: Raising Awareness About Rare Neurological Disorder That Can Mimic Parkinson’s Disease",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/world-msa-day-2026-raising-awareness-about-rare-neurological-disorder",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-02T14:26:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/world-msa-day-2026-raising-awareness-about-rare-neurological-disorder-that-can-mimic-parkinsons-disease"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai, October 2, 2026: A woman in her 60s who exhibited stiffness, slowed movement and balance issues was initially thought to have Parkinson’s disease. However, she later experienced dizziness upon standing, urinary problems and multiple falls. These additional symptoms led to a more accurate diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). October 3 marks World MSA Day, an occasion dedicated to increasing awareness about this rare and progressive neurological disorder. MSA impacts both movement and the autonomic nervous system, which governs essential functions such as blood pressure, bladder and bowel control, and sexual function. Currently, MSA has no established cure that can halt or reverse its underlying neurodegenerative process. Treatment instead revolves around managing symptoms to preserve independence and quality of life. Medications can help address movement difficulties, low blood pressure, and bladder issues, while therapies like physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, and fall-prevention measures offer support. Dr Sheetal Goyal, a Consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, explained that MSA is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts movement and the autonomic nervous system. Depending on which symptoms dominate, it can be classified as MSA-P, characterized by Parkinsonism-like symptoms, or MSA-C, where coordination and balance issues are more prominent. MSA is relatively uncommon, with studies suggesting it affects a few individuals per 100,000. Its symptoms can overlap with those of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, making early diagnosis challenging. Dr Goyal outlined several key symptoms that should prompt suspicion of MSA, including slowness and stiffness, balance problems, recurrent falls, tremors, difficulties with speech or swallowing, dizziness or fainting after standing, urinary issues, and sexual dysfunction. Significant autonomic symptoms combined with Parkinsonism or coordination problems can serve as crucial diagnostic indicators. \"There is no single blood test or scan that confirms MSA during life. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and involves a thorough neurological examination, evaluation of autonomic symptoms, and assessment of the condition's progression. Brain MRI may provide supportive findings in some patients,\" Dr Goyal added. Recognizing the importance of early assessment and multidisciplinary care, Dr Goyal urged healthcare professionals and patients alike to pay attention to persistent or progressive movement problems, unexpected falls, significant dizziness upon standing, urinary difficulties, and changes in speech and swallowing. These should not be dismissed as merely a part of the aging process.",
  "summary": "Mumbai, October 2, 2026: A 65-year-old woman who developed stiffness, slowness of movement and increasing difficulty with balance was initially suspected to have Parkinson’s disease. However, she later developed dizziness and near-fainting on standing, urinary difficulties and recurrent falls. The combination of movement and autonomic symptoms prompted further neurological evaluation, leading to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}