NeuroMyelitis Optica (NMO) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that differs from multiple sclerosis in that the inflammatory attack is limited to the optic (eye) nerves and the spinal cord. Patients develop loss of vision or an inflammatory spinal cord injury.
Unlike MS patients, NMO patients often have a severe attack and do not fully recover. The disease progresses very quickly, and relapses are often severe. Therefore, it’s important to receive early treatment and frequent follow-up care.