NMOSD and MOGAD

At MS Australia, we empower researchers to identify ways to treat, prevent and cure MS, seek sustained and systemic policy change via advocacy, and act as the champion for Australia’s community of people affected by MS. Our ultimate, singular goal is to enable a world without MS.

However, all demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are important to our mission. Research across diseases sharing similar features ultimately helps all neurological research in our understanding, management, and treatment of all demyelinating conditions. Frequently, clinicians and researchers work across both MS and other demyelinating diseases in tandem, with some people diagnosed with MS initially, before modern testing advances were developed to help pinpoint the correct diagnosis. It has partly been intensive research into MS that has helped identify some of the subtle differences between demyelinating disorders, leading to researchers and scientists pursuing the possibility that other disease processes could be at play, distinct from MS. This has led to the identification of separate disease states such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorder (MOGAD) in which the immune system attacks and damages specific areas of the CNS. There have been many steps forward in the last decade which have led to the recognition and earlier diagnosis of these two diseases and the development of specialised diagnostic tests, diagnostic criteria and treatment options, which will be explored in these pages. Our ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life for people with NMOSD and MOGAD, whilst we continually support research and advocacy to solve the unanswered questions that still elude us in understanding demyelinating conditions.

Find information here on NMOSD and MOGAD, including information about the different disorders, recent research findings, advice for the newly diagnosed, and resources for people living with NMOSD and MOGAD.