pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Neuromyelitis optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a rare condition where the immune system damages the spinal cord and the nerves of the eyes (optic nerves).

NMO can affect anyone at any age, but it's more common in women than men.

Symptoms of NMO

Each person will experience different symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

These symptoms may include:

  • eye pain
  • loss of vision
  • colours appearing faded or less vivid
  • weakness in the arms and legs
  • pain in the arms or legs – described as sharp, burning, shooting or numbing
  • increased sensitivity to cold and heat
  • tight and painful muscle spasms in the arms and legs
  • vomiting
  • bladder, bowel and sexual problems

In many people with NMO, the spinal cord becomes swollen and irritated (inflamed). This is called transverse myelitis.

The optic nerve from the eye to the brain can also become inflamed – a condition called optic neuritis.

Some people may only experience transverse myelitis or optic neuritis but, if they have a specific antibody associated with NMO (AQP4) in their blood, they will be said to have NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

NMO-UK ha more information about the symptoms of NMO

NMO relapses

NMO can be one-off or relapsing. Some people may only have one attack of optic neuritis or transverse myelitis, with good recovery and no further relapses for a long time.

But if NMO is very severe, more attacks can follow. A relapse can take from several hours up to days to develop. The attacks can be unpredictable and it's not fully understood what triggers them.

NMO-UK has more information about NMO relapses

When to get medical help

See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of NMO.

The GP will refer you to a neurologist (a specialist in conditions that affect the nerves) for further testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other conditions with similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis.

You'll have an MRI scan of your brain and spinal cord, and blood tests. You may also have a lumbar puncture, where a sample of the fluid surrounding your spine is removed using a thin needle and tested.

NMO-UK ha more information about how NMO is diagnosed

Treatments for NMO

There's no cure for NMO, but treatments can help to ease symptoms, prevent future relapses and slows down the condition's progression.

You may be prescribed:

  • steroids to reduce the inflammation
  • medicine to suppress your immune system and ease your symptoms, such as azathioprine, mycophenolate or methotrexate
  • rituximab, a newer type of medicine to reduce inflammation

Rehabilitation techniques, such as physiotherapy, can also help if you have problems with your mobility.

Therapies and support groups are available.

Find out more

Find out more about social care and support

NMO-UK also has more information about treatments for NMO

Causes

NMO is an autoimmune condition. This means the body's immune system reacts abnormally and attacks healthy tissues, causing the symptoms of NMO.

NMO is usually not inherited, but some people with NMO may have a history of autoimmune disorders in the family and may have another autoimmune condition themselves.

Driving

Optic neuritis may affect your ability to drive. You have a legal obligation to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that could affect your driving.

See GOV.UK for more information about driving with a disability or health condition

Support

NMO can have a significant impact, but support is available to help you have the best possible quality of life.

It might help to speak to others who have the same condition or to connect with a charity.

You may find the following links useful:

National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service

If you have NMO, your clinical team can pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDRS).

The NCARDRS helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat NMO. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Last Reviewed
25 September 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions