Devic's Disease

Overview

Mayo Clinic is an internationally recognized center of excellence for the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disorder which resembles multiple sclerosis (MS) in several ways, but requires a different course of treatment for optimal results.

Diagnosis

It is important to rule out other neurological conditions that have signs and symptoms similar to Devic's disease. Mayo has many tools to help make an accurate diagnosis. The main tests used to diagnose Devic's disease include: neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluation of autoanitbodies in the blood and spinal fluid.

Mayo Clinic's practice offers patients a diagnostic evaluation that is timely, efficient and supportive. A full diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation is completed within three to five working days, with many completing the process within two days. Read more about Devic's disease diagnosis.

Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat Devic's disease. For acute worsening, intravenous steroids such as prednisone and plasma exchange may be appropriate. To prevent future attacks, oral steroid medication and immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine may be used. Read more about Devic's disease treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Devic's Disease

Devic's disease is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which there are episodes of inflammation and damage to the myelin (fatty, protective covering of nerves) that almost exclusively affect the optic (eye) nerves and spinal cord. It usually causes temporary blindness, occasionally permanent, in one or both eyes. It can also lead to varying degrees of weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, painful spasms, loss of sensation, and bladder or bowel dysfunction from spinal cord damage. See more at symptoms.