water in the cells of the body. When these antibodies attack AQP4 in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, it results in inflammation, which then triggers symptoms of NMOSD.
If you fall in the other 25% of people who don’t test positive for the antibody, experts believe there are other antibodies that may cause NMOSD, including one for a protein called myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) that helps protect the nerves.
Fact: Spinal cord inflammation is common
This is true. In fact, it’s one of the ways doctors distinguish NMOSD from MS. Damage from NMOSD usually extends over at least three vertebrae (a good chunk of the spinal cord), which may cause you to experience severe symptoms.
Weakness and numbness, paralysis of the limbs (loss of both movement and sensation), or loss of bladder control during an attack can also happen depending on where the damage occurs.
RELATED: NMOSD: Life After Diagnosis
Myth: NMOSD is an isolated disease
Unlike MS, many patients with NMOSD may also have other autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, or Celiac disease.
Fact: Effective treatments exist
The good news is that over the past few years, NMOSD-specific drugs have become available to reduce the risk of future attacks making this once fatal condition highly manageable.
To treat an attack, your doctor will give you high doses of steroids, while using immunosuppressants to manage the situation longer term.
Although NMOSD is a rare and challenging disease, progress has made it possible for those diagnosed to live healthy and active lives. If you suspect that you may have NMOSD, consult with your doctor.