The Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic features a team of clinicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a rare, autoimmune demyelinating disorder characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord.

Although it presents similarly to multiple sclerosis (MS), NMO is a more disabling central nervous system disorder, afflicting patients with optic neuritis (visual impairment or blindness), transverse myelitis (paralysis or weakness of one or more limbs, stiffness or muscle spasms, loss of bowel or bladder control) and area postrema syndrome (hiccups, nausea, and/or uncontrollable vomiting for several days).

Given their 90% response rate, NMO therapies can help prevent NMO attacks, the main cause of disability for patients. Thus, our providers’ primary goal is to provide patients with a rapid, accurate diagnosis of NMO and to start them on infusion therapy as quickly as possible.

Neuromyelitis optica typically affects patients between the ages of 40-50 and the incidence of this disorder increases in patients between ages 60-80.

Additionally, nine out of every 10 NMO patients is female; there is also a higher incidence of this disorder in African-American patients.

Who is an ideal candidate for this clinic?

• Patients presenting with atypical symptoms associated with MS are ideal candidates to be referred to this clinic.
• Patients with an established NMO diagnosis who are seeking a second opinion or higher level of care.
• Patients who require infusion therapies for NMO.

Why refer your patients here?

First-rate care: The neurology and neurosurgery programs at Rush are ranked No. 4 in the nation and best in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report.

Infusion expertise: Our state-of-the-art infusion center, which opened in 2018, offers a full range of therapies, including Ocrevus, Solaris and Uplizna, the first FDA-approved treatment for NMO.

Leaders in care: The Rush MS Center, which houses the Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic, has been recognized as a Center for Comprehensive Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.

Types of conditions we treat

• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)

Treatments

• Rituximab infusion therapy
• Soliris infusion therapy
• Uplizna infusion therapy