How are the brain cells damaged in MSA?
Brain cells in the affected areas in MSA shrink (atrophy). This can sometimes be seen on MRI scans. When brain tissue is examined under a microscope, structures called glial inclusion bodies can be seen; they contain a protein called alpha-synuclein. It is the presence of these inclusion bodies in the movement, balance and automatic control centers of the brain that confirms a diagnosis of MSA.
