Update on neuromyelitis optica: natural history and management

ate on neuromyelitis optica: natural history and management Review (2584) Total Article Views Authors: Jindahra P, Plant GT Published Date March 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 27 - 41 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/EB.S8392 Received: 15 October 2011 Accepted: 04 January 2012 Published: 28 March 2012 Panitha Jindahra1,2, Gordon T Plant1,2 1The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK; 2St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, UK Abstract: Neuromyelitis optica or Devic disease is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. It is caused by antibodies that attack aquaporin 4 water channels in the cell membrane of astrocytic foot processes at the blood brain barrier. It can involve the optic nerve, the spinal cord and beyond. Here we review its pathophysiology, clinical features, and therapy.