People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) may experience gradual shrinkage, or atrophy, of the brain even during periods without relapses, according to a new study that challenges the long-held view that most neurological damage in NMOSD occurs mainly during relapses. The researchers also found that starting biologic therapies earlier…
symptoms
Even if they don’t have disease relapses, people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) tend to experience abnormal atrophy, or shrinkage, of the spinal cord over time, a new study shows. According to the researchers, “spinal cord involvement … accounts for significant disability in up to 80% of patients…
I hate complaining. Truly. Deep in my soul, I believe in powering through, staying positive, and not becoming “that person” whose personality is just one long sigh. Victim mentality? Not my brand. I like to think I’m more of a “grit, grace, and decent hair day” kind of person. But…
People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) often experience severe fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression that are not fully captured by standard physical disability tools used in the clinic, a study found. According to the researchers, “disability scores were weakly associated with symptom burden” on the Expanded Disability Status…
Everyone has embarrassing moments from time to time, but a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) embarrassing moment is on another level. One of these happened to me 16 years ago, during my first transverse myelitis attack, when I could no longer feel my bladder. You’d think that would…
Measuring the blood levels of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell, may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a study showed. Blood tests consistently showed significantly lower NK cell proportions and counts in NMOSD patients than in healthy individuals and in…
Ever get that quiet, nagging sense that something in your body just isn’t right? For me, it started with extra trips to the bathroom — nothing dramatic, just enough to make me pause. Before long, I realized I was dealing with yet another bladder infection. Living with a rare autoimmune…
Nearly a third of people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) may have cognitive impairment, especially in the areas of attention/processing speed and executive function, according to a study in Brazil. Processing speed refers to a person’s ability to receive, interpret, and respond to information, while executive function refers…
Pain is received differently by everyone, but I believe most people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) develop an unusually high tolerance. Once we adjust to a new normal, we find ways to exist inside it, ways of holding ourselves, bracing ourselves, and moving through the world that help…
It’s unusual for Toronto to be hit by two massive snowfalls in one week, shutting down the city and giving kids rare snow days. As a lifelong Canadian, I’m no stranger to snow, although I’m usually fortunate enough to avoid anything major. The downtown skyscrapers in Toronto usually shield us…
Recent Posts
- 2 approved treatments for NMOSD may work better than off-label one
- It’s important to realize when the caregiver needs care
- MRI scan of waste system in brain may track NMOSD severity, progression
- My mom’s example of strength still guides me in life with NMOSD
- Short course of approved drug effective for treatment-resistant NMOSD