making note of how your symptoms change or progress over time so you can let your doctor know.
For the most part, the symptoms of NMOSD get worse more quickly than MS. You may also experience more rapidly cycling periods of remission and flares.
Some of the symptoms you may have include blurry vision or blindness in one or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, painful spasms, numbness throughout the body, chronic nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled hiccups, bladder or bowel problems, and trouble sleeping.
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The diagnosis of NMOSD typically includes a thorough neurologic medical examination, blood tests, spinal tap, and an MRI. It’s these tests that can make it clear that you have NMOSD and not MS.
For example, people with MS will have evidence of damage to certain areas of the brain during an MRI. Those with NMOSD, on the other hand, won’t show any damage. Once you’re diagnosed, your doctor will need to establish a medical regimen. While the disease can’t be cured, it can be managed effectively.
NMOSD might be rare but a recent study highlights that African Americans are still at a higher risk than other ethnicities. If you’re concerned about any of the symptoms listed here, then talk to your doctor quickly. When NMOSD is left unaddressed, it can progress rapidly and cause permanent damage.