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Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

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Clinical Neuroimmunology

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

The clinical syndromes of optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis (TM) are frequently seen in multiple sclerosis (MS); but beginning with Devic’s descriptions in 1894 (Devic, Bull Med (Paris) 8:1033, 1894), cases of severe ON and TM, without significant brain involvement, have been considered a separate entity, namely, neuromyelitis optica (NMO, aka Devic’s disease) and now neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Although this syndrome was previously thought to be a variant of MS, there are several key differences. This chapter will describe the clinical presentation typical of NMOSD and the epidemiology, pathology, and pathophysiology of the disease. It will then review the typical imaging findings of the disease in the context of the 2015 diagnostic criteria, and discuss therapeutic options for NMOSD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Brown Neurology, Providence, RI, USA

    Jonathan F. Cahill

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  1. Jonathan F. Cahill
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Correspondence to Jonathan F. Cahill .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Brown Neurology, Providence, RI, USA

    Syed A. Rizvi

  2. Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Brown Neurology, Providence, RI, USA

    Jonathan F. Cahill

  3. Department of Neurology, MS Comprehensive Care Center, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Patricia K. Coyle

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Cahill, J.F. (2020). Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. In: Rizvi, S., Cahill, J., Coyle, P. (eds) Clinical Neuroimmunology. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-24436-1_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-24436-1_12

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