Diseases

Neuromyelitis Optica

Back

Neuromyelitis optica (nmo) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. NMO is Characterized by severe relapsing attacks of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Unlike the attacks associated with multiple sclerosis (ms),nmo attacks commonly spare the brain in the early stages.

SYMPTOMS

Pain in the eyes.
Loss of vision.
Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs.
Paralysis of the arms and legs.
Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels.
Uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups.

CAUSES

The syndrome can also damage nerve fibers and leave areas of broken-down tissue. In the disease process of nmo, for reasons that aren't yet clear, immune system cells and antibodies attack and destroy myelin cells in the optic nerves and the spinal cord.