MOG Antibody-Associated Disease

MOG antibody-associated disease is a rare condition that occurs when your immune system attacks parts of the nervous system. These attacks cause symptoms that disrupt your daily life and put you at risk for complications.

At Henry Ford Health, you’ll find knowledgeable specialists who understand your needs and coordinate the services you need to feel better. Few programs in the region match our capabilities.

What is myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)?

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody is a protein on the surface of nervous system cells. With MOGAD, inflammatory attacks can damage the optic nerve, spinal cord or brain. Some people experience a single episode (monophasic), while others endure periodic relapses.

MOGAD is often mistaken for other neuroinflammatory conditions, such as:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
• Lupus-induced vasculitis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
• Neurosarcoidosis
• Transverse myelitis

MOG antibody disease symptoms and complications

Symptoms from MOG antibody attacks include:

• Eye pain, blurry vision, vision loss and blind spots
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, tingling and a pins-and-needles sensation
• Pain
• Paralysis
• Severe sensitivity to touch

Repeated attacks or ones that last a long time put you at risk for complications such as:

• Difficulty moving your body and completing basic tasks
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Nerve (neuropathic) pain, which may feel like burning, shooting or stabbing
• Unusual muscle stiffness (spasticity)

MOG antibody-associated disease care at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

Neurologists with advanced training and a depth of experience in inflammatory disorders deliver research-based care for people with MOGAD. We correctly distinguish between MOGAD and other neuroinflammatory disorders for an accurate diagnosis. These efforts enable you to receive appropriate therapies and timely support, making it easier to move forward with your life.

MOGAD evaluation

To correctly diagnose MOGAD, we run tests to measure MOG antibody levels and detect signs of nervous system attacks. The evaluation starts by discussing your symptoms and performing a neurological exam. You also undergo blood tests and an MRI. Neuroradiologists familiar with neuroinflammatory disease interpret the results.

Symptoms, elevated MOG antibodies and evidence of nervous system attacks are typically all that are necessary to confirm the MOGAD diagnosis. If blood test results are not conclusive, we may recommend a lumbar puncture to check antibody levels in your spinal fluid.

MOGAD Treatment

MOG antibody attack treatment involves high doses of steroids through a vein in your arm (infusion). Our infusion centers are in locations close to home, helping you avoid a hospital visit. If you are experiencing an acute episode, you can likely undergo treatment within one business day. After infusion you continue taking a smaller dose of steroids by mouth.

Care may also include immunosuppressants, drugs that quiet immune system activity. These drugs lower the likelihood of future attacks.

Care from additional specialists

You may benefit from seeing additional specialists who help prevent and manage complications, including:

• Neuro-ophthalmologists care for optic nerve concerns.
• Pain medicine doctors perform procedures that reduce stubborn pain.
• Neurorehabilitation therapists and physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors) deliver services that relieve spasticity and optimize your abilities.
• Vision rehabilitation specialists help you cope with low vision and vision loss.

Periodic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody monitoring

After your first MOG antibody attack, it can be challenging to determine whether you have monophasic or relapsing disease. This is why monitoring is essential. You undergo periodic MRIs, blood testing and exams.

The results help us determine which type you have and your future care needs:

• Monophasic: Normal MOG antibody levels and no signs of new attacks indicate that it is likely safe to discontinue immunosuppressants.
• Relapsing (chronic): New symptoms and signs of continuing nervous system damage indicate that it’s best to stay on long-term immunosuppressive drugs.

Support from our team nurse

Our team nurse helps you access the services and support you need. They work with your insurance to get timely medication approvals. If you have questions between appointments, they help you get answers. You can reach us by phone or by posting a message in MyChart.

Contact us

Learn more about MOGAD care. Call us at (800) 436-7936 or request an appointment.