BREAKING NEWS! Scientists From Baltimore Warns That SARS-CoV-2 Infections Or COVID-19 Vaccines Can Cause New Onset Neuromyelitis Optica!
COVID-19 News - Neuromyelitis Optica Jun 23, 2023 1 year, 6 months, 18 hours, 35 minutes ago
Study Reveals Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Infections, COVID-19 Vaccinations, and Neuromyelitis Optica
COVID-19 News: In a new study conducted by scientists from the Baltimore VA Medical Center-USA and the University of Maryland Medical Center-USA, a potential link has been discovered between SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19 vaccinations, and the development of a neurological condition called neuromyelitis optica that can also affect the eyes. This finding shed light on a previously unknown complication associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which systematically reviewed published literature on the topic, aims to raise awareness and prompt further research to better understand and quantify the risks involved.
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A previous Swedish study covered in our
COVID-19 News report has shown that SARS-CoV-2 Infections can also lead to CNS autoimmune disease called Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Associated Disorder or MOGAD that is similar to neuromyelitis optica.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/swedish-study-shows-sars-cov-2-also-causes-myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-associated-disorder-mogad,-a-cns-autoimmune-disease
Understanding Neuromyelitis Optica
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune condition characterized by chronic neuroinflammation that primarily affects the spinal cord and optic nerves. This rare disorder can cause severe damage to the nervous system and disproportionately affects women compared to men. Individuals with NMOSD may experience various symptoms, including transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, area postrema syndrome, and acute brainstem syndrome.
Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness in one or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, and painful spasms. It also can cause loss of sensation, uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups, and bladder or bowel problems from spinal cord damage. Children can have confusion, seizures or comas.
The symptoms of optic neuritis can affect one or both eyes, and the timing of the symptoms can affect one eye after the other or both at the same time. The symptoms include:
-Eye pain. This usually happens or gets worse when you move the affected eye(s).
Blurred vision. This symptom may get worse when you’re physically active.
-Partial vision loss or blindness. You may lose all or part of your vision in one eye (an example of this is loss of the center of your field of vision). It can also cause dimming of your vision or trouble seeing colors.
-Trouble seeing in low light. This can make it difficult to do certain things at night, such as driving.
The Association with COVID-19
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have surfaced regarding NMOSD clinical manifestations following SARS-
CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 vaccinations. To investigate this further, the study team conducted a systematic review of relevant medical literature. Their search encompassed case reports and case series involving NMOSD patients who developed the condition following either a SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination.
Key Findings
Out of the 702 articles initially screened, 41 cases met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these, 15 patients developed new onset NMOSD after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, 21 patients developed NMOSD following COVID-19 vaccination, 3 patients experienced a relapse of known NMOSD after vaccination, and 2 patients initially presumed to have multiple sclerosis were later diagnosed with NMOSD after vaccination. Notably, transverse myelitis was the most common neurological manifestation observed in all patient groups.
Treatment and Outcome
Management of NMOSD cases involved various acute treatments, including high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Additionally, maintenance immunotherapies were utilized. While the majority of patients experienced a favorable outcome with complete or partial recovery, three patients unfortunately died.
Implications and Further Research
This systematic review indicates a potential association between NMOSD and both SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 vaccinations. However, further studies involving larger populations are necessary to better understand and quantify the risk. The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to dysregulate the immune system and induce autoimmune responses in the central nervous system may be responsible for the observed connection. It is crucial to continue investigating this association as COVID-19 continues to affect populations worldwide.
Conclusion
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, scientists are uncovering new and unexpected complications associated with the disease. The latest study conducted by scientists from Baltimore highlights a potential link between SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19 vaccinations, and the development of neuromyelitis optica. This neurological cum autoimmune cum eye disorder, characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, poses a significant concern for individuals affected by COVID-19 or those receiving vaccinations. While the majority of patients in the study experienced positive outcomes, the findings underscore the need for further research to fully understand the risks and inform public health measures. With ongoing scientific investigations, medical professionals and policymakers can better address and mitigate the potential risk of neuromyelitis optica associated with COVID-19 infections and vaccinations.
The study findings were published in the per reviewed journal: Frontiers in Neurology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1099758/full
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