Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder – case report

Abstract

The study presents the case of a 45-year-old woman with a rare case of Devic’s disease (neuromyelitis optica – NMO) admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation in Kielce. In her first interview she stated that for 2 years she had been experiencing an embracing pain in her torso, hemifacial pain and temporary deterioration in her lower limbs with sensory disorders of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine revealed a lesion of probably a demyelinating nature as well as a positive test for antibodies against aquaporin 4, for NMO identification. Due to relapse of the disease the patient was treated several times in the Department of Neurology, initially with plasmapheresis, methylprednisolone and then double immunosuppressive rituximab. At that time, the neurological condition of the patient was changing. The article presents the medical history, clinical course and treatment.

Keywords

• neuromyelitis optica
• demyelination
• spinal cord
• spastic paresis
• aquaporin 4