Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) also known as Devic disease is a rare yet severe disease. In this condition, antibodies (proteins) are produced against the cells in the central nervous system. It specifically affects the myelin, which is the insulation sheath around the nerves. It is a chronic disorder of the brain and spinal cord and causes inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) and spinal cord (myelitis). The condition most often strikes during childhood. It can also affect adults who are in their 40s. It is especially common in young women compared to men. NMO can cause painful eyes, facial pain, headache, and other systemic symptoms.
The characteristic symptoms of NMO are similar to optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve, which is responsible for vision) or transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).
The possible signs and symptoms of NMO include:
What are the types of NMO?
There are two types of NMO:
- Relapsing form: In this, there are periodic flare-ups with some phases of recovery in between. This is the most common kind that affects women more than men.
- Monophasic form: This involves a single attack that lasts only a few months. The symptoms go away but may come back and get worse over time. Both men and women are equally affected.
What happens in NMO?
NMO is mainly characterized by inflammatory areas in the optic nerve and spinal cord. The inflammatory lesions are caused when the immune system mistakes the body’s cells as foreign bodies and recruit white blood cells and antibodies to eliminate them. In 80% of the NMO cases, auto-antibody is developed against aquaporin 4, a water channel protein expressed on the type of supporting brain cells. Demyelination occurs during the inflammatory process. It is the destruction of insulation cover over the brain cells.
How is NMO treated?
This condition is often not curable. However, the health care provider can prescribe medicines or other treatments to reduce the effects of the disease and relieve symptoms. These may include:
- Corticosteroid drugs to halt the immune system's effect on nerves
- Immunosuppressant drugs
- A process called plasmapheresis, which removes proteins from the blood that may be playing a role in the condition
- Other treatments to address symptoms, such as pain and loss of bowel and bladder control
What are the complications of NMO?
There are several possible complications of NMO, including:
- Visual impairment or blindness
- Paralysis or weakness of one or more limb
- Stiffness or muscle spasms
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Depression
- Fatigue
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Glisson CC. Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/neuromyelitis-optica-spectrum-disorders
Top Can NMO Cause Headaches? Related Articles
Does NMO Show on MRI?
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or Devic disease is a rare, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the choice of diagnostic method for neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Fiorinal with Codeine (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate)
Fiorinal with Codeine (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Tension Headache. Fiorinal with Codeine may be used alone or with other medications. Serious side effects of Fiorinal with Codeine include risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse; life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression; and fatal overdose in children caused by accidental ingestion.
Headache
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
Migraine Triggers
Do you have frequent headaches? Learn the most common headache triggers for tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches and migraine. They include red wine, skipping meals, and smoke. Find medical treatments that work, like diet, exercise, massage, and physical therapy.
Migraine or Tension Headache? Symptoms, Triggers, Treatments
What does a migraine headache feel like compared to a tension headache? Learn to spot migraine symptoms early, how to identify your triggers, and get more information on migraine headache medications and treatments. Learn to tell migraine from other types of headaches.
Spinal Headaches
A spinal tap or an epidural block can cause a spinal headache. In these procedures, a needle is placed within the fluid-filled space surrounding the spinal cord. This creates a passage for the spinal fluid to leak out, changing the fluid pressure around the brain and spinal cord. A spinal headache may occur up to five days after the procedure is performed. Such a headache may be prevented with bed rest after a procedure.
Tension Headache (Symptoms, Relief, Causes, Treatment)
A tension headache s one of the most common types of headaches, and the exact cause is not known. Factors that may contribute to tension or stress headaches are lack of sleep, increased stress (referred to as a stress headache), skipping meals, dehydration, medical diseases or conditions, anxiety, or changes at home, work, or school. Treatment of tension headaches include prescription and OTC medications, stress management, and treating any underlying illness or condition.