title: Multiple system atrophy: pathophysiology, treatment and nursing care.
abstract: This article gives a brief overview of the symptoms and management of multiple system atrophy, a degenerative neurological condition causing parkinsonism, ataxia and autonomic dysfunction. It focuses on the role of the nurse in the context of a multidisciplinary team because holistic care is essential to promote patient independence and maintain quality of life. Because the condition is progressively disabling and shortens life, nurses are ideally placed to support patients and their families, both physically and emotionally.
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn. joannehardy07@aol.com
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006293:Health Promotion; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019578:Multiple System Atrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support