Editing Multiple system atrophy (section)

==Prognosis==
The average lifespan after the onset of symptoms in patients with MSA is 6–10 years.<ref name=":0" /> Approximately 60% of patients require a wheelchair within five years of onset of the motor symptoms, and few patients survive beyond 12 years.<ref name=":0" /> The disease progresses without remission at a variable rate. Those who present at an older age, those with parkinsonian features, and those with severe autonomic dysfunction have a poorer prognosis.<ref name=":0" /> Those with predominantly cerebellar features and those who display autonomic dysfunction later have a better prognosis.<ref name=":0" />

===Causes of death===
The most common causes of death are [[Cardiac arrest#Arrhythmias|sudden death]] and death caused by infections, which include urinary catheterization infections, [[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy|feeding tube]] infections, and [[aspiration pneumonia]]. Some deaths are caused by [[cachexia]], also known as wasting syndrome.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Papapetropoulos S, Tuchman A, Laufer D, Papatsoris AG, Papapetropoulos N, Mash DC | title = Causes of death in multiple system atrophy | journal = Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry | volume = 78 | issue = 3 | pages = 327–329 | date = March 2007 | pmid = 17308296 | pmc = 2117630 | doi = 10.1136/jnnp.2006.103929 }}</ref>