Multiple System Atrophy

Went to the Dr.'s today (actually a PA). Someone asked about blood pressure..his is 106/60. Blood and urine tests were taken. He also ordered a creme for Joe's leg. The PA sent a picture of the "blisters" to his Dermatologist friend and she hadn't seen anything like it. If you look up bullous pemphigoid, that is what his left leg looks like. Both of his legs were swollen today and we are hopefully getting a "newer" walker and a wheelchair.

This is what Joe has:
While multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurological disorder, it is not directly known to cause rashes. However, there is some evidence suggesting an association between MSA and bullous pemphigoid (BP), an autoimmune skin condition characterized by blistering.

Thank you. His illness began in 2021 with constipation, urinary and prostate problems. Everyone ran to address the prostate problem and not anything else. He thought the flomax they put him on was making him dizzy. Well. to shorten things, his prostate went back to normal. We found a Doctor who sent us to a wonderful neurologist and here we are. My husband is 52. He can hardly walk and talk. He has started shaking a bit and has developed a rash called bullous pemphigoid. He can still eat!! The Neurologist had given me a sticky note with 2 possible diagnosis and my husband fit the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy to a tee. You are right, it is very rare and not easily diagnosed. A skin graft is the next test. He has been through everything else. Our thoughts are with you and please if we can help, let us know.

Hi, I am a new member to this site. I was previously diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, and sent to the specialized center at Upstate Medical in Syracuse. To my surprise, they diagnosed two things going on in me: MG and to my surprise MSA because the symptoms are exactly as you describe. The loss of site initially and then general, overall profound muscle weakness were the two symptoms that fit MG; all the others (incontenence, drooling, tremor, balance issues, shuffling, etc. fit MSA exactly. I’m working at adjusting, but it is not easy.

Hi, I am a new member to this site. I was previously diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, and sent to the specialized center at Upstate Medical in Syracuse. To my surprise, they diagnosed two things going on in me: MG and to my surprise MSA because the symptoms are exactly as you describe. The loss of site initially and then general, overall profound muscle weakness were the two symptoms that fit MG; all the others (incontenence, drooling, tremor, balance issues, shuffling, etc. fit MSA exactly. I’m working at adjusting, but it is not easy.

I meant to type sight when I typed site. And, I forgot to mention that I too have developed a strange rash. It initially appears as a rectangle that contains small blisters and a rough tecture, that itches terribly. I’ve asked my dermatologist to look at it. I let you know what she concludes (the folks in Syracuse did not think it was caused by a disease).

Please let us know what the dermatologist says. We have yet to get the medication, but good old Irish Spring dried it up!!

Hi, I am a new member to this site. I was previously diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, and sent to the specialized center at Upstate Medical in Syracuse. To my surprise, they diagnosed two things going on in me: MG and to my surprise MSA because the symptoms are exactly as you describe. The loss of site initially and then general, overall profound muscle weakness were the two symptoms that fit MG; all the others (incontenence, drooling, tremor, balance issues, shuffling, etc. fit MSA exactly. I’m working at adjusting, but it is not easy.