Devic's Disease

Devic's disease, also known as neuromyelitis optica, is a rare neurologic disorder that causes optic neuritis, a condition that typically leads to vision loss in both eyes although many patients regain some sight.

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that connects the eye with the brain. The optic nerve fibers are coated with myelin — the fatty tissue that protects nerve cells in the same way that insulation protects electrical wiring in a house. Myelin also helps optic nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. In most cases, inflammation of the optic nerve occurs as a result of damage to the myelin, called demyelination.

In addition to optic neuritis, Devic's disease causes an inflammation of the spinal cord, called myelitis. This typically occurs at the same time as optic neuritis, but can occur before or after.

Over time, the disease may alternate between periods of good health, or remission, and disabling flare-ups, or relapses, and the prognosis for children with Devic's disease varies.

At UCSF's Children's Hospital, experts at our Regional Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center specialize in the comprehensive care of children and adolescents with Devic's disease and related disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The only center of its kind on the West Coast, we are designated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a center of excellence in comprehensive care for pediatric patients with Devic's disease and related disorders. We are dedicated to improving the treatment, diagnosis and awareness of children and adolescents with Devic's disease.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center (415) 353-3939

For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated June 13, 2007