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Stanford Health Care

Diagnosis

How We Can Help You

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the eyes and spinal cord. It is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) because of its similar symptoms. However, NMO is a distinct disorder that requires specialized treatment.

At our Multiple Sclerosis Center, we have extensive experience treating MS, NMO, and related complex neurological disorders. Because of our expertise, we are able to spot the subtle distinctions of these disorders, delivering a precise diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Stanford Health Care is a nationally recognized Neuromyelitis Optica Center. This designation means that in addition to providing an accurate diagnosis, we offer leading-edge treatments tailored to your specific needs.

What We Offer You For Neuromyelitis Optica

  • Superior quality and outcomes with personalized therapies for neuromyelitis optica to prevent debilitating flare-ups and reduce the risk of complications. Go to Treatments
  • Renowned expertise in identifying neuromyelitis optica, often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, and understanding how its effects vary among individuals. Go to About Condition
  • Access to clinical trials that offer breakthrough treatments to reduce neuromyelitis optica symptoms and prevent complications. Go to Clinical Trials
  • Ease of access with multiple appointments in the same setting, specifically designed for the needs of people with autoimmune and neurological disorders. Go to Accessing Care

Neuromyelitis Optica Treatment

Because neuromyelitis optica can trigger a variety of debilitating symptoms, comprehensive treatment is critical. At Stanford Health Care, you receive care from multiple specialists who address all your symptoms and any complications from the disease.

Your care team may include doctors and other care providers who specially treat neurological disorders, related eye conditions, pain, and physical disabilities.

In general, treatment for NMO focuses on treating the initial attack, then preventing future attacks and reducing their severity. Our specialists create a customized treatment plan, which may include one or more types of medication to prevent attacks and manage symptoms. Depending on your specific needs, your treatment plan may also include physical and occupational therapy. 

Treating Attacks

To reduce the severity of an attack, you might receive injections of a high-dose corticosteroid. Our specialists may also perform plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), a procedure that removes harmful antibodies from the blood. 

Preventing Attacks

Long-term treatment is critical in fending off NMO flare-ups. Treatments may include a lower-dose corticosteroid and medications that suppress the immune system (called immunosuppressive drugs or immunosuppressants).

Our specialists might prescribe one of three immunosuppressants:

  • Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan)
  • Mycophenolate (CellCept)
  • Rituximab (Rituxan)

Rehabilitation Treatment

NMO can worsen over time, affecting your ability to walk, perform everyday tasks, and participate in your favorite activities.

Our physical and occupational therapists are especially skilled in treating people with NMO and other complex autoimmune and neurological disorders. These experts work with you to develop a personalized plan to help you manage symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.

Your rehabilitation and therapy may include:  

  • Physical therapy for improving mobility, strength, coordination, and balance
  • Occupational therapy for performing daily activities, such as getting dressed, cooking, and driving

Clinical Trials

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Open Clinical Trials

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Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

What is Neuromyelitis Optica?

Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis

Getting an early diagnosis is key, because NMO is often mistaken for multiple sclerosis. With an accurate, timely diagnosis, you can quickly begin treatment, reducing your risk of severe complications. 

At Stanford Health Care, our specialists excel in providing comprehensive evaluations to distinguish NMO from multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune and neurological disorders. 

In addition to a review of your medical history, your thorough assessment includes: 

  • Neurological exam that checks your mobility, coordination, thinking, and memory
  • MRI that provides detailed pictures of your brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord to detect damage 
  • Lumbar puncture which takes a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine to check for excessive levels of inflammation-related and disease-fighting proteins  
  • Eye exams that may show vision problems
  • Blood tests to detect antibodies that can be a sign of NMO 

Our Clinics

Multiple Sclerosis Center

When coming in for your appointments, we want you to feel as comfortable, safe, and cared for as possible. This is why we’ve specifically designed our clinic to accommodate people with neurological disorders.

Features include:

  • Centralized check-in for all appointments
  • On-site pharmacy and infusion services
  • Quiet waiting areas
  • Easy-to-navigate hallways and floor plan
Multiple Sclerosis Center
213 Quarry Road
 Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-6469 Getting Here
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Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call 650-723-6469.