Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are two different autoimmune disorders that share several similarities. Both disorders attack the central nervous system (CNS) and have some of the same symptoms, such as blurry vision, numbness, tingling, and limb weakness. In fact, the disorders are so similar that 42.5% of patients with NMOSD...

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMOSD is most common among non-white women in their 30s and 40s [1]. It affects approximately 15,000 people in the United States. Like many autoimmune disorders, there is still much...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how neurologists can help rectify NMOSD disparities. We also discuss the importance of testing for anti-MOG syndrome in a patient with suspected NMOSD. MD Newsline: How would you recommend neurologists help rectify NMOSD disparities?  Dr. Mitzi Williams: “First, we need to make...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how NMOSD presents in minority patients. We also discuss the outcomes of minority patients with NMOSD. MD Newsline: How does NMOSD present differently in different racial/ethnic groups? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “NMOSD does not necessarily present differently in different racial/ethnic groups. Often, patients with...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss risk factors for NMOSD, including patient genetics and sex. MD Newsline: Is there a genetic basis for why people of African descent seem to suffer more from NMOSD?  Dr. Mitzi Williams: “With demyelinating diseases, including NMOSD, MS, and a condition called ADEM...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss barriers to NMOSD treatment adherence and the latest research on treatments for NMOSD. MD Newsline: What do you think are the biggest barriers to NMOSD treatment adherence?  Dr. Mitzi Williams: “The biggest barriers to NMOSD treatment are very similar to those that...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how NMOSD differs from MS. We also discuss Dr. Williams’s treatment strategy for NMOSD. MD Newsline: How does NMOSD differ from multiple sclerosis (MS)? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “NMOSD can often be diagnosed with an antibody test, whereas MS cannot. Also, NMOSD primarily...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), why it is an important health issue, and how it differs from multiple sclerosis and anti-MOG syndrome. MD Newsline: Can you explain what neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is and why it is an important health issue? ...