Symptoms

Symptoms of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

NMOSD symptoms often develop over hours to days. Symptoms depend on which part of the nervous system is inflamed.

Optic nerve inflammation (optic neuritis)

• Eye pain, often worsening with eye movement
• Blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Colors that look less bright

Attacks are often severe and can result in lasting disability if not treated promptly.

Spinal cord inflammation (myelitis)

• Weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling or pain
• Trouble walking
• Problems with controlling the bladder or bowels
• Breathing problems if inflammation is high in the spinal cord

Area postrema inflammation

The area postrema is a small part of the brainstem that helps control nausea, vomiting and hiccups.

• Severe nausea
• Repeated vomiting
• Hiccups that do not stop

Other brain or brainstem inflammation

• Double vision or dizziness
• Trouble swallowing or speaking
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion

Seek urgent medical care for new vision loss, weakness, breathing problems, severe vomiting or hiccups that do not stop.