Cognitive Functions in Neuromyelitis Optica

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, which are usually relapsing diseases but may also be monophasic. In the past, NMO was often considered a form of multiple sclerosis (MS), but now there is a lot of evidence showing that they are different diseases. A serum autoantibody, called NMO antibody, which binds specifically to aquaporin 4, the dominant central nervous system water channel protein, was recently discovered.^1,2 About 70% of NMO patients are positive for NMO antibody.¹ Aquaporin 4 is found throughout the central nervous system but in the optic nerve and spinal cord in particular.^3,4 In the brain, aquaporin 4 is preferentially expressed in periventricular organs.⁵