Patient's question:
Recently, I always felt that my eyes were a bit blurry. Then I went to the hospital for a thorough examination, and the doctor said that I had developed neuromyelitis optica. I had never heard of this disease before. How could I get this kind of disease? Moreover, I also want to know what the initial symptoms of neuromyelitis optica are?Doctor's answer:
The cause of neuromyelitis optica is unclear. It primarily manifests as symptoms affecting the optic nerve and the spinal cord. For example, it can cause visual field defects, decreased vision, visual loss, eye pain, often affecting both eyes. Additionally, it may lead to respiratory muscle paralysis, motor disorders, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Immediate cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ocular MRI, and spinal examinations are necessary for diagnosis. Early and timely treatment is crucial.