Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My neurologist told me I might be suffering from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder or NMOSD. I am a 37-year-old woman. I do not understand what this means. I have been having trouble with my eyesight lately, and I have also felt weak and numb in different parts of my body. The doctor mentioned it is related to my immune system and affects my nerves, but I am still confused.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your query and understood your concern.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with a range of symptoms and signs caused by inflammation in the nervous system. This inflammation is due to an autoimmune reaction, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. In NMOSD, the immune system targets a protein called Aquaporin-4, which is responsible for transporting water in certain areas of the brain and spinal cord.
The confirmation of the diagnosis often relies on the detection of the antibody against Aquaporin-4 (NMO antibody). Additionally, the specific distribution of this protein results in an inflammation pattern that can be observed through MRI. In cases where the antibody cannot be initially detected, the specific injury pattern visible in the imaging may still support the diagnosis.
If the NMO antibody is present, the disease is referred to as NMO. If the antibody is not detectable, but the clinical examination, medical history, and MRI findings support the NMO diagnosis, the condition is labeled as NMOSD.
Despite some similarities in the clinical manifestations, NMOSD and multiple sclerosis (MS) are different diseases in cellular and molecular pathology. Therefore, some specific medications for MS do not apply to NMOSD.
Although there is no cure for NMOSD at present, proper treatment can help control and manage the disease. It is crucial to start the prescribed treatment and continue it under the supervision of your physician to prevent future disease attacks on your nervous system and possible disabilities.
Hope it helps.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Seyedaidin Sajedi
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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