I wouldn't assume on the NMO/Devics testing, Lisalu, because it isn't something they normally test for.

They used to classify NMO/Devics as a "type" of MS, like RRMS vs SPMS, etc., but in the last 5 yrs or so they have figured out that it the disease process is actually different. They believe at this point that it is another disease, and there is a test for it out of Mayo (the only place that does it), but many doctors are not up on this latest update.

The test has a small false-negative and false-positive result, but if a person does have NMO/Devics, they are normally offered different treatment options, vs. our standard MS DMD's.

It was only a couple of years ago that my Neuro-Optho suggested that I might actually have NMO, because I too started off with only one LARGE spinal and a few small brain ones, for many years. That is fairly tell-tale for NMO, though the lesions themselves can sometimes be identified as NMO one's visually too (by doctors that know what they are looking for).

My MS Specialist was prepared to send away the testing to Mayo, but I opted to not find out at this point in the game. I've had "MS" for a long time, I don't use any of the mainstream DMD's, and I wouldn't use the experimental treatments they offer for NMO anyway ... so for me personally, I didn't see the point in finding out.

But for those who are using the DMD's, I think it is worthwhile talking in depth with their neuro about, to see how "up" he is on this testing.

JMHO.

Cherie