Can you please give information on the NMO test?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a difference in sensations on my left side, and I was advised to get an NMO test. Can you please give me more information regarding the test and my issue? Also, I am taking Solu Medrol medicine at present. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the query. I can understand your concern. NMO indicates neuromyelitis optica. It is a central nervous system disorder that primarily affects the eye nerves or optic neuritis and the spinal cord or myelitis.

Blood for autoantibody NMO-IgG (immunoglobulin) should distinguish NMO or neuromyelitis optica from MS or multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. This blood test for NMO helps to make an early diagnosis of NMO. In NMO or Devic's disease, spinal cord lesions usually occur centrally. They rarely extend to the surface of the spinal cord. In contrast, in multiple sclerosis (MS), such cord lesions occur peripherally that can be detected by an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spine and brain. But, MRI is non-diagnostic for confirming NMO. For that reason, neurologists may suggest blood for autoantibody NMO-IgG test for excluding NMO or Devic's disease from MS and neurological disorders.

The possible clinical features of NMO are painful eyes, blurring of vision or loss of vision, weakness in the arms or legs, painful spasms, loss of sensation, uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups, bladder or bowel dysfunction from spinal cord damage, etc. The exact causes of NMO are unknown, but it may appear after an infection or associated with another autoimmune condition. NMO is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, so a blood test for autoantibody NMO-IgG can help to differentiate from MS. High-dose Methylprednisolone is the treatment of choice for NMO.

Take care. In case of any other query, ask me.