Update on neuromyelitis optica: natural history and management

Abstract

Panitha Jindahra1,2, Gordon T Plant1,21The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK; 2St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, UKAbstract: Neuromyelitis optica or Devic disease is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. It is caused by antibodies that attack aquaporin 4 water channels in the cell membrane of astrocytic foot processes at the blood brain barrier. It can involve the optic nerve, the spinal cord and beyond. Here we review its pathophysiology, clinical features, and therapy.Keywords: Neuromyelitis optica, Devic disease, NMO-IgG, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, NMO spectrum disorders