For an accurate diagnosis, a blood test is key—preferably a cell-based assay, which is more sensitive than other tests in detecting anti-AQP4 antibodies
Find a local Patient Education Manager who can help you learn more about testing for NMOSD
NMOSD vs MS
NMOSD and MS are both chronic, autoimmune diseases that affect the central nervous system
NMOSD and MS can have similar symptoms, but NMOSD is far less common
NMOSD is characterized by unpredictable attacks that can result in various disabilities, including blindness and paralysis. In less frequent instances, NMOSD can also lead to death. A key distinguishing factor between NMOSD and MS is the presence of anti-AQP4 antibodies, which are found in most people living with NMOSD.
43
of patients with NMOSD
were initially misdiagnosed with MS*†
73
of patients with NMOSD
tested positive for
anti-AQP4, an antibody not present in MS‡
The wrong initial diagnosis of MS became less common after anti-AQP4 antibody testing was made commercially available in 2005 (20% of patients were misdiagnosed after 2005 vs 54.2% of patients before 2005).
In a study of 73 patients with NMOSD, 43% were initially misdiagnosed with MS.
73% of patients with NMOSD tested positive for AQP4 in a study out of 132 patients.
It's important to get tested so you can get treatment right away
Know the differences between the symptoms of NMOSD and MS
Select NMOSD or MS to view disease-specific symptoms
Vision changes
Blindness
Spasms
Weakness
Numbness
Pain
Select
NMOSD or MS
NMOSD or MS
Fatigue
Paralysis
Hiccups
Bowel dysfunction
Nausea
Vomiting
Sexual Dysfunction
Brain fog
Anxiety
Depression
