Neuromyelitis Optica is NOT Multiple Sclerosis
Until recently, NMO was thought to be a type of Multiple Sclerosis. However, recent discoveries indicate that NMO and MS are distinct diseases. Traditionally spinal cord lesions seen in NMO are longer than MS but this is not always the case.
With so many symptoms in common, NMO can sometimes be confused with MS or other diseases. But these diseases are treated in different ways and early detection and treatment help ensure best outcomes.
Ask your doctor about NMO, and whether
an NMO antibody test is right for you
The discovery of an antibody in the blood of individuals with NMO gives doctors a reliable way of determining if you have NMO.
What Is NMO?
Why Is It Important To Know About NMO?
With so many symptoms in common, NMO can sometimes be confused with MS or other diseases. But these diseases are treated in different ways and early detection and treatment help ensure best outcomes.
…
Some patients with NMO also have other
autoimmune diseases like:
>> Sjögren’s Syndrome
>> Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
>> Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
What Are The Symptoms?
NMO symptoms can vary from person to person and may resemble MS symptoms in many ways. NMO is most commonly characterized by inflammation of the spinal cord and/or optic nerves, causing any of the following symptoms:
>> Rapid onset of eye pain or loss of vision (optic neuritis).
>> Limb weakness, numbness, or partial paralysis (transverse myelitis).
>> Shooting pain or tingling in the neck, back or abdomen.
>> Loss of bowel and bladder control.
>> Prolonged nausea, vomiting or hiccups.
>> Sometimes these symptoms are temporary, and resolve on their own. In any case, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor to help consider NMO in your diagnosis.
Where Do I start?
The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation funds research and sponsors Spectrum, an online NMO community, where you can…
>> Connect with NMO patients, clinicians, researchers.
>> Share your experience of NMO, and follow the journeys of other patients and caregivers.
Join us online at www.spectrum.guthyjacksonfoundation.org
>> Learn the latest research and clinical studies into NMO.
>> Volunteer to take part in important new NMO research.
>> Locate NMO clinicians worldwide.
Blood Bank – NMO Repository
Scientists and doctors are uncovering new insights into NMO every day. Blood samples of NMO patients make The Guthy-Jackson Repository an invaluable resource to researchers.
If you know an NMO patient who is willing to donate blood to our cause, please contact our Repository Nurse to schedule an appointment. It’s easy and free of charge!
Phone: 858.333.1704
Email: repository@guthyjacksonfoundation.org
We believe NMO can be solved, but we need every patient to join our repository. Every patient is a key part of the answer to NMO.
What Can I Do?
Good communication with your doctor is one way to help. The discovery of an antibody in the blood of individuals with NMO gives doctors a reliable way of determining if you have NMO.
>> Ask your doctor about NMO, and whether an NMO antibody test is right for you.
>> If you have NMO, working together with your doctor and researchers can help find new and better treatments…and give us all the best chance for discovering a cure.
>> Donate your blood to our Repository for NMO.
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