Knowra Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that predominantly damages optic nerves and spinal cord, often through antibodies targeting aquaporin-4.
Aquaporin-4 : A water-channel protein abundant on astrocyte membranes, especially around blood vessels in the central nervous system. It is the principal antibody target in the most common seropositive form.
Optic neuritis : Inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain and impaired vision. It is a characteristic attack, often severe or recurrent in this disorder.
Cell-based assay : A laboratory test that detects antibodies by exposing patient samples to cells displaying a target protein. It is the preferred approach for detecting aquaporin-4 antibodies.
Multiple sclerosis : A chronic immune-mediated disease in which inflammation and neurodegeneration damage myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system. It can cause optic neuritis and spinal cord lesions, but differs in biology, imaging patterns, and treatment.
Blindness : A severe loss of vision that substantially limits or eliminates visual function. Severe or repeated optic neuritis can cause permanent visual loss.
Aquaporin-4 antibody : An autoantibody that binds the aquaporin-4 water channel and can initiate astrocyte injury. Its detection identifies a major disease subtype and helps distinguish it from multiple sclerosis.
Transverse myelitis : Inflammation across a segment of the spinal cord, often causing weakness, sensory changes, and bladder dysfunction. Long spinal cord lesions are a defining presentation of the disorder.
MRI : An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal tissues. Brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord MRI help identify characteristic lesions and assess attacks.
Clinically isolated syndrome : A first neurological episode caused by inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system. A first attack may resemble this disorder, but does not by itself establish its diagnosis.
Paraplegia : Paralysis affecting both legs, usually resulting from injury to the spinal cord or brain. Extensive spinal cord attacks can leave persistent weakness or paralysis below the lesion.
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