Demyelinating disease
Similar characteristics. Different treatments.
The clinical and radiologic features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) associated disease (MOGAD), and MS are similar. However, the appropriate treatments for MOGAD and NMOSD are significantly different than for MS.
- MS is treated by immunomodulation therapy, which may worsen NMOSD.
- NMOSD and MOGAD are treated by immunosuppressant therapy.
An accurate diagnosis of these diseases is critical for physicians and their patients.
“The value of better testing is translated into better answers from the lab to providers and to patients, and to all clients of the laboratory.”
Maria Alice Willrich, Ph.D., co-director, Antibody Immunology, Protein Immunology, and Clinical Mass Spectrometry laboratories
News and updates
The latest
Learn more about the risks of false positives with AQP4 ELISA methodology in CNS demyelinating disease testing.
Find out how our testing uses neurofascin 155 IgG4 antibodies as a specific marker of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
Learn more about our CNS demyelinating disease testing through this case study focused on MOG-IgG as a marker of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ MS testing cascade, which starts with kappa free light chain (KFLC) testing and reflexes to oligoclonal banding when indicated, is supported by the revised 2024 McDonald Criteria. This approach delivers faster, more definitive results, enabling earlier treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.
In this presentation, Eoin Flanagan, M.B., B.Ch., a leading specialist in neuroimmunology at Mayo Clinic, provides a clear and clinically focused overview of autoimmune conditions that affect the developing nervous system.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories invites you to explore our latest microlearning on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). In this concise educational module, Sean Pittock, M.D., explains the critical role of AQP4-IgG testing in the early diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD.
September 29, 2025 - This session provides an in depth overview of evolving diagnostic approaches in neuroimmunology.
By using a test that measures neurofilament light chain (Nfl) proteins in blood, clinicians can better diagnose devastating diseases like ALS and MS, help predict disease progression, and better assess efficacy of existing drugs and trial therapies.
PACE/State of FL - This webinar will discuss the advantages of using electrophysiology results to guide the selection of axonal or demyelinating testing for peripheral neuropathy. This approach can help identify specific antibodies associated with the condition, providing a more precise diagnosis, and improving patient outcomes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, as the therapeutic approach varies based on the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy.
John Mills, Ph.D., and Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new test panel can distinguish among various potential causes of demyelinating neuropathies. Test results are important for managing these devastating autoimmune conditions.
Anastasia Zekeridou, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated panels and methodology boost the accuracy and efficiency of testing for three autoimmune neurology biomarkers. Early diagnosis is key to managing debilitating conditions associated with these antibodies.
Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique PDE10A and TRIM46 tests facilitate the management of central nervous system disorders triggered by cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing disabling neurological symptoms and malignancy.
Tying together the expertise and curiosity of Mayo Clinic autoimmune neurology researchers with eager patients who have rare disease and are looking for answers, the innovative collaboration benefits both patients affected by MOGAD and scientists on the front lines of discovery.