Devic Disease

Synonyms

• Devic Syndrome
• Neuromyelitis Optica
• Opthalmoneuromyelitis
• Optic Neuroencephalomyelopathy
• Optic Neuromyelitis
• Opticomyelitis
• Retrobulbar Neuropathy

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Devic disease (DD), also known as neuromyelitis optica, is a rare, chronic disorder of nerve tissue characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve (Optic neuritis) and inflammation of the Spinal cord (myelitis). There appear to be two forms of this disease. In one type, there is a series of attacks over a short period of time (days or weeks) but, after the initial outburst, there are seldom repeat incidents. The second form is characterized by repeated attacks separated by periods of remission. In this form, the interval between attacks may be weeks, months or years. In its early stages, Devic disease may be confused with Multiple Sclerosis.