Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a central nervous system disorder that affects the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis). It is otherwise called optic neuromyelitis. Other names for the disorder are neuromyelitis optics spectrum disorder or Devic’s disease. When your body’s immune system reacts adversely towards its cells in the central nervous system, the disorder starts. Specifically, it happens when your immune system attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord, but sometimes the brain.
Though it may appear after a course of an infection or with another autoimmune condition, the etiology of neuromyelitis optica is usually unknown. Oftentimes, the condition is misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) or is thought of as a type of MS. However, NMO is a distinct and different condition with a different diagnosis.
Neuromyelitis optica may cause a whole range of symptoms and complications. Severe complications may include confusion, seizures, and/or coma. Though flare-ups may be reversible, permanent damage resulting from the flare-ups may be irreversible.
