Testing for the self-reactive antibodies that drive most cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in dried blood spots (DBS) is as accurate as testing blood samples, a study shows. The findings suggest the dried blood spot technique could be a viable alternative to conventional blood sample testing for…

Older age, a poor response to steroids, and the need for a blood-cleaning procedure known as plasma exchange all were found to increase the likelihood of a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) among people experiencing a first optic neuritis attack, a small study shows. These findings led…

Achieving nine goals could help address inequities with access to properly diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a Massachusetts physician maintains. The goals were proposed by Farrah Mateen, MD, PhD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston as a personal viewpoint in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal under…

Experts in Germany have published recommendations to help clinicians diagnose neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and distinguish it from other disorders with similar symptoms. The guidelines were detailed in “Update on the diagnosis and treatment of [neuromyelitis] optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) – revised recommendations of the…

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…

Reaching a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) diagnosis in the absence of disease-causing antibodies requires careful attention from physicians in order to ensure timely treatment. That suggestion comes from a case report of a man in Nepal who had symptoms of the autoimmune disease but lacked the antibodies against…

Five years ago, Aug. 28, 2017, began like any other day. I had taken the day off work to run errands, and I got up early to help my youngest daughter, Bella, get ready for school. She had just started fourth grade at a new school and had a long…

A specific pattern of brain inflammation called BPCLI sometimes can occur in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and often is associated with encephalitis-like symptoms that may contribute to misdiagnoses. A study with that finding, “Bilateral parafalcine cortical and leptomeningeal impairment: A characteristic pattern of MOG antibody…