Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s Disease, is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which there are episodes of inflammation and damage to the myelin (fatty, protective covering of nerves) that almost exclusively affect the optic (eye) nerves and spinal cord. It can cause blindness and lead to varying degrees of weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, painful spasms, loss of sensation, and bladder or bowel dysfunction from spinal cord damage. NMO resembles multiple sclerosis, but requires a different course of treatment for optimal results.
According to Mayo Clinic neurologist Dean Wingerchuk, M.D., the prevalence and incidence of NMO have not been firmly established.
“It has a worldwide distribution and reported risk factors include females and non-Caucasian racial background,” says Dr. Wingerchuk. “Population-based studies of clinically diagnosed NMO have indicated prevalence rates from 0.32-2.5 cases per 100,000 population. In aggregate, the data suggests that there are likely more than 4,000 people with NMO in the United States.”
Mayo Clinic is a nationally-known leader in NMO and MS-related disease research, including studies on the treatment of severe acute attacks with the use of plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, as well as the evaluation of clinical and serological factors that assist with diagnosis and may predict response to treatment. Mayo Clinic researchers also are conducting immunological and molecular genetic research to identify the specific target of the damaging immune response that leads to NMO.
Dr. Wingerchuk is presenting a review of the prevalence and incidence of NMO today at the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation’s 2nd Annual Neuromyelitis Optica Roundtable Conference. The foundation is working with Mayo Clinic and other top medical research institutions toward the prevention, treatment and eventual cure of NMO.
