8 Symptoms of Neuromyelitis Optica to Be Aware Of

8 Symptoms of Neuromyelitis Optica to Be Aware Of

Tooba Pasha Waqar |Sep 8, 2021

Neuromyelitis Optica Symptoms and Diagnosis Process

Neuromyelitis optica or Devic’s disease is rare, affecting 4,000 people in the U.S. and about a quarter of a million people worldwide.

Considering its rarity, not many people are educated enough to understand what this disease entails. However, this detail shows precisely why we educate people on it.

The symptoms of Devic’s disease are quite similar to various common symptoms people experience. Knowing about neuromyelitis optica will help you prevent any further damage if it can be diagnosed early on.

What is Neuromyelitis Optica?

Also known as NMO, neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues surrounding the spinal cord and optical nerves. It also affects the brain in some cases.

Devic’s disease is not a hereditary condition. However, if you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, you will be more likely to develop neuromyelitis optica. There is also no age limit to the condition, and in most cases, NMO strikes during the patient’s childhood years. But, it is strangely more common in patients in their 40s, perhaps because of a decline in their immune system response.

NMO targets a substance known as myelin, which creates insulation around the optic nerves and spinal cord. Unfortunately, we do not know what triggers this condition. Research is scant because of the condition’s rarity. However, many think NMO appears after the patient suffers from an infection that triggers the autoimmune disease.

In many cases, patients with neuromyelitis optica are misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the symptoms for NMO differ from that of MS.

Types of Neuromyelitis Optica

Before learning about the symptoms of NMO, let’s discuss the types.

There are two types of neuromyelitis optica that people experience:

  • Relapsing NMO
  • Monophasic NMO

Relapsing NMO

This is a more common condition.

Patients with relapsing NMO experience the initial attack, which inflames the spinal cord and optic nerve. This is then followed by a series of attacks that span over several years.

Damage from relapsing NMO is permanent, and more often, people do not recover fully from this attack on the nerve. As a result, patients experience disability and require additional help and assistance. Relapsing NMO affects females more than males.

Monophasic NMO

This type of NMO affects both genders equally.

Monophasic NMO causes a limited number of attacks to occur more closely together over days or weeks. There is no long-term threat that the body may experience more attacks in the future.

Because of this limited period, most patients recover more quickly from the effects, but monophasic NMO is rare, so most patients should be wary of any future attacks if they experience an initial episode.

Symptoms of NMO

We know that NMO damages the spinal cord and optic nerve.

Inflammation of the spinal cord occurs because of a process known as transverse myelitis. So, a patient may experience the following symptoms during a singular attack:

  • Heavy and weak limbs, sometimes causing total paralysis.
  • Problems with urination, changes in urination patterns, urinary incontinence, frequent urination and difficulty urinating.
  • Constipation.
  • Altered sensitivity, such as numbness, tingling, feeling of coldness or burning and sensitivity to temperature.

Alongside these symptoms, the patients may also experience symptoms related to optic nerve inflammation, called optic neuritis. These symptoms include:

  • Swelling of the optic disc.
  • Lowered sensitivity to color.
  • Temporary loss of eyesight with a risk of permanent loss of vision in at least one eye.
  • Eye pain that is affected by movement, getting more severe after a week, then resolving within a few days.

A person who experiences a singular mild attack of NMO can recover from these symptoms, even completely, and have no relapses ever. But the chances of that are low. Many will experience multiple attacks, leading to lifelong disability.

Diagnosing Neuromyelitis Optica

As stated before, diagnosing NMO can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to that of other conditions and diseases, including:

  • Viral infections.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
  • Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD).
  • Paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (inflammation linked to cancer).
  • MS.

To separate these results from NMO, professional physicians may recommend the following tests to get a confirmed diagnosis:

  • Blood test, specifically to check for NMO IgG, an antibody.
  • Spinal tap or lumbar puncture to check NMO-specific proteins and levels of white blood cell.
  • MRI to check for lesions and damage to the brain.

Post-Diagnosis Treatment

There is no treatment for NMO. However, you will be able to get some treatment for the related symptoms.
Taking your present condition into account, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids. If that does not present any positive results, they may switch you to plasma exchange therapy.

If your immune system responds aggressively, your doctor may suggest an immune suppressant. However, such medications can have plenty of side effects, so the patient must be prepared.

Final Thoughts

NMO can be debilitating for everyone, whether they experience the condition in childhood or adulthood.
The best way to treat this condition is by learning about it, especially if you are susceptible. Knowing that you are vulnerable to such disorders now will not only help you prepare for the future, but it may also prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

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Pamela Bandelaria | September 8, 2021

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Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Balding

Elizabeth Dickson | September 8, 2021

How to Prevent Balding If balding or thinning hair is one of your worries, we have got the solutions for you. In this article, we will chat about the symptoms of balding, the causes, how to prevent balding and how to cope with hair loss. Losing a few strands of hair every day is completely normal, but what do you do when you begin losing more hair than you should? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 80 million people in America have hereditary hair loss (alopecia). In addition, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), approximately 25% of men who have hereditary male pattern baldness start losing their hair before the age of 21. By the age of 50, about 85% of men are bald or have significantly thinner hair. 8 Ways to Prevent Balding If genetics is the reason for your hair loss, there might not be a lot that can be done to prevent it. However, these tips can help slow down or prevent loss if other reasons are causing it: Treat your hair gently and avoid pulling; use caution when washing, brushing and styling your hair. Avoid harsh treatments, such as coloring and perms. Protect your hair from the sun; wear a hat and avoid tanning beds. Quit smoking. Some studies suggest there is a link between balding and regular smoking. Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Avoid hot showers and shampoo that causes scalp irritation. Talk to your doctor or dietician about supplements that may help slow down your hair loss. If you are getting treatments for cancer or taking a medication that causes hair loss as a side effect, speak to your doctor about getting a cold cap or other measures to prevent hair loss. If you try the above tactics and still feel that hair loss is negatively impacting your life, it is important to seek out medical advice. First, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter treatments for hair loss. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. Hair Loss Symptoms Hair loss can look different from person to person, depending on the severity and cause. However, here are some common symptoms to watch for. Slow and Consistent Loss of Hair Starting at the Top of the Head This is the most common form of hair loss. As you age, you can experience thinning of the hair on the top of your head, especially men. In men, this typically looks like a receding hairline or thinning hair or a thinning patch on top of the head. In women, this typically looks like the widening of the part of the hair, along with loss of hair around the forehead. Sudden Loss of Hair It's as if it has become loose from your scalp. Our bodies are extremely sensitive to changes and will work hard to cope with those changes. Therefore, environmental and emotional stress can cause you to lose handfuls of hair at a time. Thankfully, this type of hair loss is typically temporary and will stop once the stressors have been addressed. [youmaylike] Patches of Hair Loss All Over the Scalp With this type of hair loss, hair consistently falls out from the same spot on your scalp. This leaves your scalp with patches or circular spots of missing hair. Not only can this affect the hair on your head, but it can also leave patches of missing hair on your face, such as in your beard or eyebrows. Loss of Both Scalp and Body Hair This type of hair loss is less common than the others. It typically only affects individuals who are taking a strong medication or treatment, such as chemotherapy. The lost hair generally regrows with ease once the treatment has stopped. Causes of Hair Loss There are several reasons why you may experience hair loss, including: Hereditary and genetic factors. Hormonal and systemic body changes. Certain medications and medical conditions. Mechanical stress, such as consistent pulling on the hair. Emotional and environmental factors. Radiation exposure. Some degree of hair loss is entirely normal. Typically, you lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. New hair strands grow at about the same rate, meaning that hair loss isn't generally noticeable until you have exceeded this number.

Top 12 Foods, Supplements and Vitamins for Bariatric Surgery

Krista Bugden | September 8, 2021

Diet for Bariatric Surgery If you have tried everything within your power to lose weight or you have a health condition that prevents you from losing weight, your doctor may suggest bariatric surgery. Frequently called gastric bypass, this type of procedure often involves sealing off the top of the stomach, which decreases the amount of food you can consume and reduces nutrient absorption. As a result, it’s much easier to lose any excess weight. But what should a diet for bariatric surgery include and what can help you recover? In this article, we are going to explore all the foods, supplements and vitamins you might want to consider after your bariatric surgery. Let’s dive in! Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Tips After bariatric surgery, you need to be cautious about what you consume. It’s recommended to: Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Delay drinking anything after a meal for 30 minutes. Eat slowly. Consume protein-rich foods. Avoid alcohol. Limit caffeine. 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Protein is the building block of the body, which means it is essential for improving your digestion as you recover. 7. Soft Scrambled Eggs Pureed foods further include soft scrambled eggs! Make sure not to overcook them, as this may make them tricky to eat. 8. Soups You can also enjoy various soups during this second week, allowing you to add variety to your daily diet. [youmaylike] Phase 3 and 4 From here, you can begin introducing soft foods, such as: Ground meat. Flaky fish. Cottage cheese. Rice. Cooked veggies. The following week, if all goes well, you can then introduce solid foods a little bit at a time. Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals Your doctor may further recommend certain supplements to guide your recovery and replace any foods you are unable to eat for the first few weeks. This is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies and adverse health effects. Some supplements that you may be recommended include: 9. Calcium The intake of 1,200 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams of calcium can help prevent bone loss. This is especially important if you aren’t drinking milk (such as those that don’t tolerate lactose very well). 10. Vitamin D Vitamin D can be taken alongside calcium. It’s recommended to take 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D. Alternatively, you can also obtain vitamin D via the sun, which may mean your doctor can recommend sitting outside in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes each day. 11. Vitamin B12 B12 is an essential bariatric vitamin for energy production and is necessary for healing! It also may be hard to obtain initially when consuming only liquids since it is often found in meat and animal products. Aim for 500 micrograms daily. 12. Folic Acid and Iron Your doctor may further recommend folic acid or iron, especially if you are a woman who is currently menstruating. These are commonly lost via your monthly bleed. Yet, with restrictions around what you can eat, they may be hard to replenish, so supplementation may be best. Post-Bariatric Surgery Medications Post-bariatric surgery medications may include: Omeprazole. This prevents ulcers from developing. It is usually recommended to take within the first six months post-surgery. Ursodiol. This helps stop the production of gallstones, which commonly occur after this type of surgery. This medication is also typically taken for at least six months after bariatric surgery. Multivitamins. While technically not a medication, almost every person post-bariatric surgery will be recommended a multivitamin to take in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the initial bariatric diet is quite restrictive. At the end of the day, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and advice since they know you and your situation best.