This specialized test, now available in Vietnam, not only helps with accurate diagnosis but also provides patients with the opportunity for more effective treatment, reducing disability from long-term complications and eliminating the need for overseas treatment. In the field of neurology in Vietnam, this is considered a significant advancement.
Since 2014, Mrs. N.T.M (55 years old, from Hanoi) has experienced three episodes of paralysis in both legs, urinary retention, and numbness from the waist down. She had undergone surgery for suspected spinal tumors and received treatment for myelitis, but her recovery progressively worsened with each episode. After the third relapse, the residual effects left her with slow mobility with assistance.
In August 2020, she experienced a fourth relapse with complete paralysis in both legs and sought treatment at Vinmec Times City Hospital. Although the patient did not show symptoms of vision loss, neurologists at Vinmec suspected it was a form of Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), an inflammatory disorder that can present with optic neuritis.
The disease can occur in episodes, with symptoms such as optic neuritis (blurred vision, eye pain) or signs of myelitis (limb paralysis, urinary retention). Patients may experience only symptoms of optic neuritis, myelitis, or both.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors ordered an AQP4 Antibody test. Four days later, Mrs. M.'s results came back positive, confirming the initial suspicion of Vinmec's doctors. With the correct treatment plan in place, the patient showed significant improvement after just five days: she regained movement in her legs and began walking again. Mrs. M. is now undergoing preventive treatment for relapse.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) are two distinct diseases with different pathophysiological mechanisms. However, in clinical diagnosis, doctors often find it challenging to clearly differentiate between the two conditions. Misdiagnosing them can worsen the symptoms of NMO.
Until now, patients in Vietnam who needed diagnostic testing for NMO often had to travel abroad, which was both costly and inconvenient. This is the first time in Vietnam that Vinmec is able to perform specialized diagnostic tests to accurately identify this disease.
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