Devic's Syndrome »
What is Devic's Syndrome?
Devic's syndrome is a rare autoimmune central nervous system disorder
characterized by transverse myelitis (in which the fatty, protective covering of
the spinal cord breaks
down) and optic neuritis (in which inflammation of the
optic nerve causes loss
of vision and eye pain).]. It is considered a special form of multiple sclerosis
(MS) with a severe and rapid course. The disorder affects the optic nerve and the nerves in the spinal cord. In Devic's syndrome,
the fatty sheath that protects these nerves is lost. Individuals may experience
vision impairment and various degrees of paralysis, as well as incontinence. The
disorder is closely linked with MS and lupus, but usually appears before any
symptoms of MS are noted. If an isolated disease episode affecting the spinal
cord and optic nerve occurs after an infection or common cold, it is considered
a post-infectious acute demyelinated encephalomyelitis (ADE) rather...
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