Treatment of Multiple System Atrophy Presenting with Stridor

Stridor is a recognised and clinically significant respiratory complication in multiple system atrophy. Managing it requires targeted intervention distinct from the broader treatment of the underlying disease.

Clinical Scenario

Stridor in MSA: A strained, high-pitched, harsh respiratory sound — predominantly inspiratory — that may occur during sleep or wakefulness. It arises from laryngeal dysfunction causing narrowing of the rima glottidis and represents a distinct and important complication requiring specific management.

Treatment Approach

Positive airway pressure therapy is among the approaches used for symptomatic relief of stridor in this setting. The full structured regimen — including the complete range of options and the clinical criteria guiding their use — is available via the protocol.

Complete regimen details, sequencing, and clinical decision points are in the full protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

Stridor is a strained, high-pitched, harsh respiratory sound, mainly inspiratory, occurring during sleep or wakefulness, and is caused by laryngeal dysfunction leading to narrowing of the rima glottidis.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and tracheostomy are options for symptomatic treatment of stridor.

DOI: 10.1212/cont.0000000000001598

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