Neuromyelitis optica

Overview

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also called Devic's disease, is a central nervous system disorder causing primarily swelling and inflammation of the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis).

Neuromyelitis optica occurs when your body's immune system reacts against its own cells in the central nervous system, mainly in the optic nerves and spinal cord, but sometimes in the brain. The cause often is unknown, although it may sometimes appear after an infection, or it may be associated with another autoimmune condition.

Neuromyelitis optica may cause blindness in one or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, painful spasms, loss of sensation, and bladder or bowel dysfunction from spinal cord damage. NMO attacks may be reversible, but can be severe enough to cause permanent visual loss and problems with walking.

A small number of people with NMO experience vomiting before the onset of eye and spinal cord problems. Children may develop confusion, seizures or coma as a manifestation of NMO.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for neuromyelitis optica

• Expertise and experience. Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat more than 3,500 adults and children with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and other central nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

  Although NMO is relatively uncommon, Mayo Clinic doctors have treated more than 900 people with NMO, either on-site or through coordination with individuals' doctors at home.

• Team approach. Doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), eye and nervous system conditions (neuro-ophthalmologists), physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrists), pain medicine, laboratory medicine and other areas work together to evaluate and treat people with NMO and related disorders.

• Pediatric center. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has recognized the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as a Pediatric MS Center of Excellence. The multidisciplinary center focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children with multiple sclerosis, NMO and other central nervous system disorders.

  Doctors trained in treating children with brain and nervous system conditions (pediatric neurologists) evaluate and treat children with NMO at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

• Research discoveries. Neurologists and scientists at Mayo Clinic discovered an autoantibody, NMO-IgG, that is a specific marker of NMO. This antibody may help doctors diagnose neuromyelitis optica, and can help identify the disorder from multiple sclerosis.

  Studies of NMO at Mayo Clinic are focused on finding new tests to help diagnose affected people as early as possible, enhancing understanding of the disease and improving treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery, ophthalmology and for rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report.

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