Neuromyelitis optica is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that leads to optic neuritis, acute myelitis, and in cases where the brain is involved, brainstem syndromes. For most patients with neuromyelitis optica, the antibodies (NMO-immunoglobulin G) against the astrocyte aquaporin-4 water channel are detectable. Therefore, most patients usually experience attacks of severe optic neuritis and/or myelitis. Neuromyelitis optica can be managed by a number of medication treatment plans, but full recovery from attacks isn’t guaranteed. Needless say, disease remission rarely happens. In other words, this means that there is no cure for neuromyelitis optica, and it is very unlikely it will go away with time.[1]
Can Neuromyelitis Optica Go Away On Its Own?
Neuromyelitis optica is defined by optic neuritis, which is the inflammation of the optic nerve, and transverse myelitis, which is the inflammation of the spinal cord. Adding to that, the latter causes lesions on the spine that extend over the length of three or more vertebrae. These two characteristics of the condition can worsen over time leading to vision loss as well as paralysis, which can be long-term. Breaking down NMO further, there are two major classifications of the disorder i.e. the monophasic form and the relapsing form. The monophasic form is the lesser serious form of NMO, and patients with this form experience a single disease attack that can last for months. On the other hand, the relapsing form of neuromyelitis optica is characterized by repetitive disease episodes which can be months or years apart. Despite having recovery periods between the disease attacks, neuromyelitis optica is bound to relapse, and every time it is back, it causes new damage to the involved areas.[2]
What Are The Natural Remedies For Neuromyelitis Optica?
The first course of treatment for neuromyelitis optica is to manage symptoms as well as reduce the frequency of disease attacks. This can be done either with steroid injections, plasmapheresis, and immunosuppressive medication. Additionally, patients also go for rehabilitation treatment which involves physical therapy as well as mobility and aids. Other than medical treatment, patients can adopt some natural remedies to help ease their symptoms. Majorly, they can watch what foods they eat and their nutritional benefits to the body as well as exercise so as to help with muscle weakness and paralyzing effect of neuromyelitis optica.[3]
Being physically active has various benefits including having a healthier and happier life. Needless say, individuals who exercise often are at low risk of developing chronic conditions such as stroke, diabetes and heart diseases to name a few. Exercising is also said to help improve one’s mood, reduce stress, enhance good quality sleep, and even boost your self-esteem. The best kind of exercises for individuals with neuromyelitis optica is aerobic including brisk walking and cycling, and strength exercises that will stimulate major muscles in the body. It might be a challenge to exercise at the beginning considering the disease effects on the body, but don’t lose hope. You can start small, and build up your level step by step.[4]
For patients with neuromyelitis optica, they don’t necessarily require a special diet, but they need to eat healthy and as many nutritious foods as possible. A healthy diet has various benefits to patients with neuromyelitis optica including improved well-being and it complements one’s medication treatments. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as fish, avoid saturated fats, sugars, and excess salt, and most importantly, don’t skip meals and change your eating plan so that you eat several small meals a day instead of large heavy meals.[5]
Conclusion
Neuromyelitis optica does not go away on its own, but depending on the form you’ve been diagnosed with, there can be episodes of recovery. This is most common in cases of relapsing neuromyelitis optica, where after a disease episode; one may have months or even years of recovery. But then again, the condition always comes back.
To be able to manage neuromyelitis optica, a patient needs to undergo a treatment plan that will help suppress the immune system, control symptoms and also reduce incidences of attacks. If you have this condition, you can ensure that you eat healthily, and exercise in an aim to boost the recovering process from a disease episode and the success of treatment.
Also Read:
- Is Neuromyelitis Optica An Inherited Disorder?
- Coping Methods For Neuromyelitis Optica
- How Dangerous Is Neuromyelitis Optica & Is It Contagious?
- What Leads To Neuromyelitis Optica & Can It Be Cured?
- How Long Will It Take To Recover From Neuromyelitis Optica & How Long Do The Symptoms Last?
- Is Neuromyelitis Optica A Progressive Disease & Alternative Treatments For It
- How Common Is Neuromyelitis Optica or Is It A Rare Disease?
