Neuromyelitis Optica

Overview

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also called Devic's disease, is a central nervous system disorder involving inflammation of the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis). It occurs when your body's immune system reacts against itself as well as against unwanted conditions such as infections or cancer. It 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. Attacks may be reversible, but can be severe enough to cause permanent visual loss and problems with walking.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat more than 2,500 adults and children who have NMO and other central nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis optic neuritis, transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Specialists in adult and pediatric neurology, neuro-ophthalmology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, urology, gastroenterology and laboratory medicine evaluate and treat people who have NMO and related disorders.

Neurologists and scientists at Mayo Clinic have discovered an autoantigen that may suggest NMO is a disorder distinct from multiple sclerosis.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has recognized the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as a designated multidisciplinary center focused on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of people who have multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.

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