New Diagnostic Criteria Published for Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)

The International Panel for NMO Diagnosis has provided updated diagnostic criteria for this incurable but treatable autoimmune disorder. Sometimes called Devic disease, NMO is characterized by optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Previous diagnostic criteria developed in 2006 and require both optic nerve and spinal cord involvement. The new diagnostic criteria reflect clinical and neuroimaging evidence revealing a wider disease spectrum.