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Brain age gap (BAG) — the difference between calendar age and predicted brain age as determined by MRI scans — was significant in adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and may predict disability in patients, a study found. The BAG was even greater in people with the related…

Neutrophils, a set of immune cells, from people with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are resistant to certain forms of cell death, a study found. NMOSD patients also had increased blood levels of molecules that might help neutrophils resist cell death pathways. Similar findings weren’t observed…

A signaling molecule called CXCL7 drives inflammation and nerve fiber damage in a mouse model of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a new study reports. The findings show that this signaling molecule “is a key factor in the formation of lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and retina,” the…

The incidence of pain in adults with neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is high and was reported as the first sign of an inflammatory attack in half of patients, according to an examination of medical records. Neuropathic (nerve-related) pain, marked by uncomfortable burning or tingling, was the most common…

Rituximab may be effective for improving functionality in children with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or other inflammatory neurological disorders, though more research is needed to identify optimal treatment regimens, a new study reports. “Efficacy of [rituximab] in specific indications and good tolerance are confirmed in pediatric neurology.

In rare cases, people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can experience low blood levels of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, a few weeks after receiving anti-CD20 therapy. Researchers have reported the case of a NMOSD patient who developed the uncommon side effect, called late-onset neutropenia, four…

Optic nerve fiber damage is usually more severe in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) than with idiopathic optic neuritis, based on a clinical measure called visual evoked potential, a study shows. Results also suggest the recovery window after an acute NMOSD attack is shorter, highlighting the importance…

The approved therapy Edaravone, used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke, may be a promising treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new study. The use of edaravone in NMOSD cell and mouse models promoted restoration of the myelin sheath — damaged in immune attacks…

Inflammatory episodes in the spinal cord of people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) resulted in changes in functional connectivity in the brain, an imaging study shows. Functional connectivity refers to the correlation between brain signals over time that reflects functional connections between two or more brain regions. Reduced…

Measuring the retinal nerve layers by a non-invasive tool called optical coherence tomography may help to diagnose neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), especially in those who test negative for disease-related antibodies, according to a new study. Researchers found that nerve layers in the retina of people with NMOSD…