Healthcare Professionals

NMOSD 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 NMOSD to be treated early in their condition to prevent relapses and disability.

NMOSD UK service

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

We welcome all referrals for: 

• People with suspected NMOSD
• People diagnosed with NMOSD
• 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

 NMOSD UK Paediatric Service

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

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

How to refer to the NMOSD 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.

We aim to see patients 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 NMOSD need to be assessed and treated promptly.  We will try and answer any queries you may have regarding NMOSD. Contact us on:

Kerry Mutch, Sam Linaker and Tricia Kelly NMOSD 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 NMOSD

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) 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