Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Rare Case of Isolated Brainstem Syndrome

Before 2006, neuromyelitis optica was hallmarked by optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. However, with the discovery of antibodies to water channel aquaporin-4 as a diagnostic criterion, our clinical knowledge of the disease manifested in the creation of new pathologies that fell under the diagnostic umbrella of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Still, brain involvement of the disease has remained rare, in particular, lesions of the brain stem. Specific to our report is a novel case of NMOSD with intriguing, isolated brainstem findings.