News

Brain Volume Loss Found in Patients With NMOSD in Study

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and related neurological conditions show reduced brain volume compared with individuals without such diseases, a new study highlights. The results indicate that rates of volume loss in the thalamus — a brain region that helps to relay motor and sensory signals —…

NMOSD Outcome Not Linked to AQP4 Antibodies at Diagnosis: Study

Being positive for or showing high levels of antibodies against the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein at diagnosis doesn’t predict worse outcomes for people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a small study. Plasma exchange therapy was linked with a trend for slower disability progression, although it wasn’t…

NMOSD Could Drive Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Researchers have identified a rare case of co-existing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and subacute combined degeneration (SCD) — two distinct disorders marked by nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord. The case highlights the possibility that NMOSD may be the underlying driver of the vitamin B12 deficiency…

Postpartum Women at Risk of NMOSD Onset, Rebound: Study

Women are more likely to have neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) symptoms, or a rebound of symptoms, within three months after delivering a baby, a Chinese study found. Women who didn’t receive immunotherapy during pregnancy and the postpartum period were more than five times as likely to have…

Rare Case of Post-COVID-19 Vaccine NMOSD Reported; No Causal Link

A 67-year-old man developed a rare case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) after his third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a study reports. A review of published literature showed this case adds to 15 other reported cases of post-COVID-19 vaccination NMOSD onset, which appear to show similar clinical…

Oval-Shaped Masses More Prevalent in Eyes of NMOSD Patients: Study

Adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) who are positive for antibodies against the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein have a higher prevalence of oval-shaped masses surrounding the optic nerve in their eyes than healthy people, a study showed. Although these masses were significantly linked to older age, their occurrence was…

Case Report Describes NMOSD Rebound During Pregnancy

A young woman had a rebound of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) toward the end of her pregnancy, for which she underwent plasma exchange and took steroids, according to a report from researchers in the U.S. Because treatment with plasma exchange and steroids did not work well enough, the…