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Healthcare Professionals

NMO is a rare auto-immune condition with relapses of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Untreated, permanent visual and spinal cord dysfunction may occur and accumulate due to relapses. It is essential for people with NMO to be treated early in their condition to prevent relapses and disability.

NMO UK service

NMOUK is a NHS advisory and diagnostic service. The National Specialised Commissioning teams fund the NMO service. We will offer assessment and advice for people in the UK and internationally.

We welcome all referrals for: 

• People with suspected NMO or NMO spectrum disorders
• People diagnosed with NMO
• Uncertainty of diagnosis for people with recurrent Transverse Myelitis/Optic Neuritis
• Differential diagnosis for MS
• Advice regarding management
• Queries on all aspects of treatment
• Multi-disciplinary team evaluation

 NMO UK Paediatric Service

For children and adolescents with NMO, all care is managed by a consultant paediatrician who works closely with the NMO clinical team.

Dr Rachel Kneen, Consultant Paediatrician              Dr Saleel Chandratre,
Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool                                   John Radcliffe, Oxford

How to refer to the NMO Service

Send a referral letter to Dr Jacob, at the Walton Centre, Liverpool OR Dr Palace at Oxford, giving a brief history of the patient’s condition and/or symptoms.

Patients will be seen within 4 weeks of receipt of referral.

What to do if your patient is having a Relapse

It is important to remember that most relapses of NMO need to be assessed and treated promptly.  We will try and answer any queries you may have regarding NMO. Contact us on;

Kerry Mutch, Sam Linaker and Tricia Kelly NMO Nurses                            Rosie Gore and Sandra Reeve NMO Nurses
Walton Centre for Neurology                                                                       John Radcliffe Hospital
Liverpool                                                                                                      Oxford
0151 5298357                                                                                              01865 231905

If there is a sustained deterioration in any symptoms which lasts for longer than 48 hours. Check for any signs of infection eg chest or urine and treat.

Other conditions that may be considered rather than NMO

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) can easily be mistaken for a number of other conditions that have similar symptoms.  These include:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a condition of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which affects movement and balance
• Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) – an acute (short term) condition that affects the brain and spinal cord
• Transverse Myelitis (TM)- a single episode of myelitis without AQP4 antibodies
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Virus induced inflammation – inflammation that is caused by viral infection
• Cancer associated inflammation affecting eyes and spinal cord