[Diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica]

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by antibodies against aquaporin-4 in up to 80% of the cases and even less in the NMO spectrum disorders, which may be difficult to distinguish from early multiple sclerosis. While immunosuppressive therapy should be introduced in definite NMO, treatment strategies of NMO spectrum disorders are less clearly defined. Here, we review the current guidelines for treatment of NMO and NMO spectrum disorders in the light of two cases, and suggest a practical approach to the management of these disorders.