Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Neuromyelitis opticaUpdated: 2018-04-25OverviewNeuromyelitis optica is a disorder that causes swelling of the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis).SymptomsIt can cause blindness in 1 or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs, painful spasms, and bladder or bowel problems.TreatmentsMedications and physical therapy may help manage symptoms. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use