Neuromyelitis Optica - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

• Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO): A central nervous system disorder causing inflammation in the nerves of the eye and spinal cord.

  • Also known as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or Devic disease.
  • Occurs due to an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the body's own cells, mainly affecting the spinal cord and optic nerves.
  • Can be triggered by an infection or associated with another autoimmune condition.

• Misdiagnosis: Often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) but is a distinct condition.

• Consequences: Can lead to blindness, limb weakness, painful spasms, sensory loss, vomiting, hiccups, and bladder/bowel issues.

  • Relapses are common and can lead to permanent disability, including vision loss and mobility issues.

Symptoms

• Vision Changes (Optic Neuritis):

  • Blurred or loss of vision in one/both eyes.
  • Inability to see colors.
  • Eye pain.

• Spinal Cord Symptoms (Transverse Myelitis):

  • Stiffness, weakness, or numbness of limbs.
  • Loss of feeling in the arms or legs.
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunction.
  • Tingling or shooting pain in the neck, back, or stomach.

• Other Symptoms:

  • Hiccups.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • In children: confusion, seizures, or coma (related to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease - MOGAD).

• Relapses: Symptoms may improve but can worsen, leading to relapses that cause further disability.

Causes

• Exact cause unknown.
• Immune system attacks central nervous system tissues.
  • Involves altered antibodies binding to proteins causing inflammation and nerve cell damage.

Risk Factors

• Sex: Women more likely to develop NMO than men.

• Age: Typically affects adults with an average diagnosis age of 40, but can affect children and older adults.

• Race/Ethnicity: Higher rates in Hispanic, Asian, African, or Afro-Caribbean populations compared to white populations.

• Other Factors: Possible links to low vitamin D, smoking, and fewer early-life infections.

Conclusion

• Neuromyelitis optica is a severe autoimmune disorder distinct from multiple sclerosis.
• Important to diagnose and manage to prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life.

For more detailed information, visit the Mayo Clinic website or consult a healthcare provider.