Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves of the eyes and the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues and organs. In neuromyelitis optica, the autoimmune attack causes inflammation of the nerves, and the resulting damage leads to the signs and symptoms of the condition.
No genes associated with neuromyelitis optica have been identified. However, a small percentage of people with this condition have a family member who is also affected, which indicates that there may be one or more genetic changes that increase susceptibility. It is thought that the inheritance of this condition is complex and that many environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the condition.
Neuromyelitis optica affects approximately 1 to 2 per 100,000 people worldwide. Women are affected by this condition more frequently than men.
Neuromyelitis optica is usually not inherited. Rarely, this condition is passed through generations in families, but the inheritance pattern is unknown.
Sean Pittock is a Neurologist in Rochester, Minnesota. Pittock has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica. He is also highly rated in 31 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Transverse Myelitis, Optic Neuritis, Neuromyelitis Optica, and Encephalitis. He is licensed to treat patients in Minnesota. Pittock is currently accepting new patients.
Kazuo Fujihara practices in Fukushima, Japan. Fujihara is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Optic Neuritis, Neuromyelitis Optica, Transverse Myelitis, Myelitis, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
Ichiro Nakashima practices in Sendai, Japan. Nakashima is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Optic Neuritis, Neuromyelitis Optica, Transverse Myelitis, Myelitis, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
Summary: Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelinating conditions include multiple sclerosis (MS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Optic Neuritis (ON) and Transverse Myelitis (TM). The symptoms of these conditions are quite variable from patient to patient, but can include motor, sensory, visual, gait and cognitive changes. Conventional MRI can be u...
Summary: Antibody-mediated idiopathic inflammatory diseases of the nervous system (also known as autoimmune diseases of the nervous system) are autoimmune diseases in which autoimmune cells and immune molecules attack the nervous system as the main pathogenic mechanism. In the immune response, pathogenic antibodies acting on autoantigens of the nervous system are collectively referred to as autoantibodies ...
Published Date: March 01, 2015Published By: National Institutes of Health