Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Electrophysiological and clinical assessment of dysautonomia in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive
Monika Nojszewska1, Anna Potulska-Chromik2, Zygmunt Jamrozik1
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, 8 Kondratowicza str, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland.
Clinical Rationale For The Study:
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) involvement in different parkinsonian syndromes has been frequently discussed. It is well established in multiple system atrophy (MSA), whereas it is less evident in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Aims Of The Study:
The aims were to assess the presence and pattern of ANS involvement in MSA and PSP using noninvasive tests i.e. the sympathetic skin response (SSR) test and the R-R interval variation (RRIV) test; to analyse the relationship between clinical and electrophysiological abnormalities in both disorders; and to assess whether an autonomic profile might help to differentiate them.
Materials And Methods:
Clinical and electrophysiological assessments of dysautonomia were performed in 59 patients with MSA (24 cases of MSA-C and 35 cases of MSA-P), these 59 cases including 31 females, mean disease duration 4.2 ± 2.7 years, mean age 60.3 ± 8.4 years, and in 37 patients with PSP (12 females, mean disease duration 4.6 ± 3.6 years, mean age 67.5 ± 6.1 years) and the results were compared to the results obtained from 23 healthy controls matched for age and sex.
Results:
Clinical dysautonomia assessed by an Autonomic Symptoms Questionnaire was observed in 97% of the MSA patients and in 84% of the PSP patients. SSR was abnormal in 64% and RRIV was abnormal in 73% of MSA cases. In PSP cases, these figures were 78% and 81% respectively. Dysautonomia was clinically more pronounced in MSA compared to PSP (p < 0.05), whereas electrophysiological testing revealed frequently subclinical ANS damage in PSP patients.
Conclusions And Clinical Implications:
Our results point to the complementary role of electrophysiological tests in the diagnostic work-up of dysautonomia in parkinsonian syndromes.
Related Concept Videos
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

