Treatment

Neuromyelitis optica can't be cured, though long-term remission is sometimes possible with the right management. NMO treatment involves therapies to reverse recent symptoms and prevent future attacks.

• Reversing recent symptoms. In the early stage of an NMO attack, your doctor might give you a corticosteroid medication, methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), through a vein in your arm (intravenously). You'll be given the medication for about five days, and then the medication will be tapered off slowly over several days.

  Plasma exchange is frequently recommended as the first or second treatment, usually in addition to steroid therapy. In this procedure, some blood is removed from your body, and blood cells are mechanically separated from fluid (plasma). Doctors mix your blood cells with a replacement solution and return the blood to your body.

  Doctors can also help manage other possible symptoms, such as pain or muscle problems.

• Preventing future attacks. Doctors might recommend that you take a lower dose of corticosteroids over time to prevent future NMO attacks and relapses.

  Your doctor might also recommend taking a medication that suppresses your immune system. Immunosuppressive medications that may be prescribed include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (Cellcept) or rituximab (Rituxan).