How can neuromyelitis optica cause transverse myelitis?

How can neuromyelitis optica cause transverse myelitis?

Transverse myelitis as a sign of multiple sclerosis usually causes symptoms on only one side of your body. Neuromyelitis optica (Devic’s disease) is a condition that causes inflammation and myelin loss around the spinal cord and the nerve in your eye that transmits information to your brain.

Is neuromyelitis optica a disability?

Neuromyelitis optica or NMO qualifies for severe disability because it affects the central nervous system, causing blindness and paralysis. Neuromyelitis optica or NMO qualifies for severe disability because it affects the central nervous system, causing blindness and paralysis.

Is neuromyelitis optica a white matter disease?

Conclusions: NMO frequently and extensively affects spinal white matter in addition to central gray matter, especially in PC and LC, where isolated perivascular lesions with astrocyte endfoot protein loss may emerge. Spinal white matter involvement may also appear in early NMO, similar to cerebral white matter lesions.

What is the difference between NMO and transverse myelitis?

In many people with NMO, the spinal cord becomes swollen and irritated (inflamed). This is called transverse myelitis. The optic nerve from the eye to the brain can also become inflamed – a condition called optic neuritis.

What does NMO look like on MRI?

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is characterized by simultaneous or sequential acute transverse myelitis and optic neuritis. Spinal cord lesions extending over 3 or more vertebral segments are the typical MRI finding in NMO. Shorter MRI lesions can be found very early during relapse or in residual atrophic stages.

What is the prognosis for NMO?

Patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients have a 91% to 98% five-year survival rate. Current research indicates that neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients have a 91% to 98% five-year survival rate.