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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Devics Syndrome
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Devics Syndrome
by NMick34, Sep 16, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 36 year old female. About 8 months ago I started have some neuro. problems. Sent to a Neurologist. I had a MRI which showed lesions but they were not consistent with MS. Now my Neuro is talking about Devics syndrome. She was very interested in hearing that I was in the ICU in 2000 with Varicella Pneumonis. Can you please tell me what the conection between the two are. I can't seem to find any info on it. And if you know if this is something that will go away?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
Devics Syndrome is a form of demyelinating disease (like MS) but typically only affects the optic nerves (vision), and the spinal cord. I am aware of not clear relation between varicella and Devics. There is some evidence that a virus such as varicella may play a role in diseases such as MS, but this has not been proven conclusively. If your doctor is concerned about Devics, a MRI of th spinal cord would be reasonable to assess for changes. If there are any concerns perhaps a second opinion with an MS specialist would be reasonable. Good luck.
Member Comments (4)
by i'm irish, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
I was interested in the mention of Devic's as I correspond with a young lady who has Devic's - not much to be learned apparently. I find very little mention of it in research I've done. Apparently it's rather obscure but I don't really know. My daughter has been having neuro symptoms for about 6 months and no one can get to the bottom of it. It's been determined NOT to be MS but still no clue as to what it is. Ataxia, speech difficulty, originally some short term memory loss, which seems to be back to normal now. She's had a long history of illnesses predominantly of the neurological system (including two rounds with meningitis);and has some demyelination on her brain MRI. Your mention made me wonder if there's some virus behind it all, if there's a connection between the varicella pneumonia and present symptoms. I had considered Lyme Disease as a possibility but haven't heard results of testing two weeks ago. With neurology, there's so much that's so unclear. Twice she's had periods of leg 'twitching' (short term) and both times have followed surgery and now I'm wondering if there's a connection with the anesthesia. So much unknown. Best of luck to you. Pat
by NMick34, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
To: I'm Irish
Hi, must say I love the nickname. Just thought you might be interested. I just got back from the neuro, heres what I was told about Devics. It can be residule affects from a virus if there was enchepholitis during the infection. It is a very contriversal topic because it is not completely understood. Usually with devics there is no brain involvement only optical and spinal. Hope that helps at least a little bit. Good luck with your daughter. I'm a parent to and I thank god it's me and not my children going through this.
by i'm irish, Sep 24, 2004 12:00AM
Hi NMick - just thought I'd put a follow up on this - learned on Wednesday that the neurologist my daugher saw in Rochester on the 8th got back the results of bloodwork that had been done and it showed a Vitamin B12 deficiency that was significant enough to possibly be the cause of her neurological symptoms. She was diagnosed a year ago with ulcerative colitis after literally months of diarrhea. That apparently can be a factor in Vitamin B12 deficiency. I'm crossing my fingers that this is the answer and that the deficits are reversible. Thought I'd pass it along to you. Who knows? It could help. Good luck. Pat
