The gut hormone GLP-1 may contribute to brain inflammation in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), leading to episodes of uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or hiccups — a condition known as area postrema syndrome (APS), a new study suggests. These findings raise a crucial question about the use of…

September marked 15 years since I was first affected by neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The specific day came and went, but it wasn’t until this past week, while I was sitting on the beach in Cancún, Mexico, that I took a moment to process the past decade and…

Age at disease onset and sex ratio — the ratio of males to females — among people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are influenced by the proportion of cases with antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4). That’s according to a review study from an international team of researchers that sheds…

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who have experienced only one relapse tend to underestimate their risk of future relapses, but patients who’ve had multiple relapses tend to overestimate this risk, a small study has found. The findings underscore the importance of clear communication with healthcare providers so…

Nearly all neuroimmunologists treating patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who test positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies have prescribed one of the three currently approved therapies: Soliris (eculizumab), Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon), and Enspryng (satralizumab-mwge). These are the findings of a U.S. survey that also found most responding…

Years ago, I saw a film called “Lorenzo’s Oil,” which was based on actual events. A child, Lorenzo, got sick with a rare disease, and his health deteriorated quickly, but nobody could help him. His parents were determined to find a cure. I greatly admired their tenacity, and I’m…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is seeking individuals willing to share real-life experiences with rare diseases to speak at its upcoming virtual Living Rare, Living Stronger NORD Patient and Family Forum. The interactive, patient-focused forum will be held online June 26-27. The deadline to apply for…