Neuromyelitis Optica Or Devic’s Disease: What Is It About?
Neuromyelitis optica is a serious and chronic autoimmune disease that involves demyelination of the optic nerve and spinal cord. It can be confused with multiple sclerosis.
Autoimmune diseases are a group of pathologies in which the cells in charge of the body’s defense attack its own organs. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a condition that falls within this group and is characterized by the demyelination of certain areas of the central nervous system (CNS).
The entire CNS is covered by a substance called myelin , which is involved in the correct transmission of nerve impulses. In neuromyelitis optica, specific antibodies will attack proteins located in the spinal cord and optic nerve: aquaporins 4, altering their correct functioning.
This pathology is also known as Devic’s disease and has a relapsing presentation with relapses in 70% of cases. The most frequent symptoms are alterations related to inflammation of the optic nerve and the spinal cord.
Similarities and Differences Between NMO and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that also attacks the central nervous system, so it can be confused with NMO. In fact, neuromyelitis optica was considered a type of multiple sclerosis for many years.
The two pathologies in question affect the structures that make up the central nervous system, causing demyelination. Both diseases affect the spinal cord, however, MS is capable of altering various brain structures, while NMO is limited to the optic nerve.
The symptomatology presented by the patients is very similar, since both have recurrent and unique presentations. On the other hand, people with multiple sclerosis also have optic neuritis and myelitis, so visual and sensory problems are frequent.
The main difference between the two is the humoral alteration in neuromyelitis optica. Studies have shown that the majority of patients with NMO have anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies, which are very rare in people with MS.
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