*Hello Alton, NMO is an autoimmune CNS disease that causes relapsing LETM (Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis) in 90% of patients, relapsing ON (Optic Neuritis), and in 62% of patients, eventually brain lesions. It's a very serious disease and the prognosis is poor. Within five years, 50% of patients will be permanently blind in at least one eye (Often bilaterally.) and permanently parlayzed in at least one limb. (Often more.) There is a 33% mortality rate in the first five years, with death being caused by respiratory failure which is the result of a compromised brain stem. At ten years, the rate of serious disabilty is 50%.
I failed on first line treatments and currently use Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody which is a chemo agent. It's no fun. :-( Grace *
